«..*, 







* (5 











v; ^, # 





?<&?& t ~~G 



JUST PUBLISHED, Price 6d, 3 
Or Superior Editions in various bindings, at Is. or 2s., 

iQYAL pbotohial m mn. 

TO PARENTS AND TEACHERS. 

Extract from Preface. — " We select the smaller type for our first 
lessons, because in all printed books the proportion of small letters to 
that of capitals is nearly fifty to one ; now, as all the early lessens 
are given in small characters, surely a knowledge of them should 
be first imparted. When a child has learned the capitals only, it 
has made scarcely any progress towards the formation of words, because 
it cannot apply the information it has acquired. In teaching both 
forms of the alphabet together, you present fifty-two characters to the 
child, with only twenty-six names to distinguish them, and thus create 
difficulties, and apparent contradictions, at the very season when the 
mind requires information by the easiest possible process. 

" As an illustration : — the writer pointed out to his pupil the letter a 
in the smaller alphabet ; the child instantly denied that it was a, and 
triumphantly placed his finger on the capital A, as a proof of his 
knowledge and the teacher's ignorance. It was then attempted to be 
shewn that the two letters, though differently shaped, bore the same 
'name ; but this produced no conviction, for it was evidently regarded 
as an artifice, and the feelings excited resembled those of the astonished 
satyr, who turned the traveller out of doors because he blew hot and 
cold with the same breath. 

"By teaching the smaller letters before any reference is made to 

capitals, some progress will be gained towards the formation of icords ', 

when capitals make their appearance, the teacher can inform the pupil 

that the change of shape is adopted, for the purpose of marking the tegin- 

» j ning of a sentence, or the name of a particular person, place, or thing. 

i Thus, the labour of the child will be greatly reduced, and the apparent 

! contradiction explained." 

As this Book bears no resemblance to any Primer hitherto published, 
P i we give a specimen of one of its pages on the back. 

B. STEILL, 20, PATERNOSTER ROW. 



nine • m • * * 9 IX 

?»r Mark the ducks 

- lift xi 

^|p as they swim. 

f*\ one goes first 1 

then come four 4 

three are next. .... 3 

and one is last 1 

then there are. ... 9 




"&3 ^G 




STEILL'S 



i x \ 



JUVENILE CYCLOPEDIA, 



PICTORIAL 



SPELLING AND READING ASSISTANT, 






LONDON : 
B. STEILL, 20, PATERNOSTER ROW. 

MDCCCXLV. 






* \bfi 



66* 



48 65 55 

JUL 1 6 1942 



W. J. Sears, Printer, 2>, Ivy Lane, City. 






/ vi 



TO THE TEACHERS OF YOUTH. 



Jf 



The earliest educational works usually put into the hands 
of Pupils, are either Carpenter's Spelling Assistant, or others 
of the same class ; and when they have passed through 
these very elementary productions, there is no other book 
which forms a medium between them and expensive Dic- 
tionaries and Encyclopaedias. This Publication, therefore, 
is put forth to supply such deficiency, as one better adapted 
to the purposes of Education, and much more in accordance 
with the information which parents desire their children 
should possess. 

In the first part, we have introduced more than the usual 
number of words of one and two syllables, because they 
form the roots of those which are more difficult. The greater 
portion of words having three or more syllables, are formed by 
certain prefixes and affixes, and have not that importance 
which has usually been attached to them ; we have, there- 
fore, disposed of that class rather briefly, to allow space 
for the insertion of a great number of others, which the re- 
cent progress of Art and Science, renders it essential for 
youth to become acquainted with at an early age. The 
present advanced state of literature, also, has brought into 
general use many words which were formerly considered 
the exclusive property of the scientific, so that it has become 
indispensable to introduce a variety of terms which previous 
compilers omitted. The multiplicity of such words has placed 



IV TO THE TEACHERS OF YOUTH. 

us in difficulties, arising, chiefly, from our very limited space ; 
but we have endeavoured to present a useful selection, with 
such definitions and illustrations as, from their clearness and 
brevity, can be readily comprehended, and easily retained in 
the memory. 

In the choice of "hard words" our aim has been to interest 
the Pupil, by drawing his attention imperceptibly towards 
terms and subjects which are likely to be of use to him 
at a future period. At the same time, it is hoped the adult, 
whose avocations do not admit of extensive literary or 
scientific research, may obtain from the following pages 
more information than can be found in any work of its size 
and character, and which may prove of some service in the 
business of e very-day life. 



PICTORIAL EDUCATIONAL SERIES. 

STEILL'S PICTORIAL PRIMER 6d. & Is. Od. 

PICTORIAL SPELLING BOOK Is. 6d. 

PICTORIAL SPELLING ASSISTANT, Part I. Is. 6d. 

PICTORIAL DITTO Part II. Is. 6d. 

(explaining terms in Science, Literature, and Art) 

PICTORIAL JUVENILE ENCYCLOPEDIA, 3s. Od. 

(The above two "Works bound together) 

PICTORIAL GEOGRAPHY, Price 2s. With Maps 3s. 
PICTORIAL GRAMMAR FOR CHILDREN, Price 
2s. 6d., or, Coloured 4s. 

In the Press, 

TOY BOOKS, ARITHMETIC AND GRAMMAR, 

At 6d. and Is. each. 



SPELLING AND READING 

ASSISTANT. 



It is presumed that the young student is acquainted with 
the general principles of grammar, and therefore under- 
stands the arrangement of words in parts of speech. 

In the columns that follow, one or more letters are prefixed 
to each word, to point out the class of words to which it be- 
longs, when used in the sense assigned to it in the explanation 
that comes immediately after. 



a. means adjective 
a. v. active verb 
n. v. neuter verb 
s. substantive 
ad. adverb 



pro. pronoun 
part, participle 
prep, preposition 
conj. conjunction 
interj. interjection 



WORDS OF ONE SYLLABLE. 



Ache, s. {ake) a continued pain 
Act, s. an action, something 

done 
Act, a. v. to do 
Add, a. v. to join 
Age, s. a period of time 
Aid, s. help, assistance 
Ail, n. v. to feel pain 



Aim, n. v. to try to reach 
Aim, s. the point one tries to 

hit, or reach 
Air, s. the element we breathe ; 

a gentle wind 
Aisle, 5. (ile) the 

between the seats in 

church 



In the English language, many words are spoken, or pronounced, 
differently from the way in which they are spelled. Thus, for ex- 
ample, the first word in the column above is spelled ache, but it is 
pronounced ake ; and the last word in the second column is spelled 
aisle, but it is pronounced ile. Some other instances will be found 
in the columns of spelling which follow ; and the pupil will remem- 
ber that though he is to spell the word as it stands first, he is to 
pronounce it as it is spelled by the italic letters which follow. It 
may seem strange that any word should be pronounced differently 
from the way in which it is spelled ; but this has advantages which 
will afterwards be explained. A correct pronunciation of words is 
of great importance ; not only that the person who speaks may be 
clearly understood, but that he may shew that he is not ignorant 
of the true meaning and common use of the words which he em- 
ploys. 



6 



WORDS OF ONE SYLLABLE. 



Ant, s. a small insect 
Ape, 5. a baboon, or monkey- 
Ape, a. v. to mock, to imitate 
Apt, a. fit, likely, ready 
Arch, s. part of a circle 
Arm, s. a limb, or branch 
Arm, a. v. to provide with 

weapons 
Art, s. a trade ; skill, cunning 
Ask, v. to enquire, to invite 
Asp, s. a poisonous serpent 
Ass, s. a beast of burden 
Aught, s. (awt) any thing 
Awe, s. respect, with fear 
Awl, s. a tool for boring 
Axe, s. {ax) a tool to chop with 
Babe, s. an infant 
Back, s. the hinder part 
Bad, a. wicked, worthless 
Badge, 5. a mark, or sign 
Bag, s. a sack, or pouch 



Bail, 5. security given 
Bait, 5. a snare ; an enticement 
Bake, a. v. to cook, or hard- 
en, in an oven 
Bald, a. without hair 
Balm, s. a plant ; a soft and 

healing juice 
Ban, s. a censure ; a curse 
Band, s. a fastening ; persons 

united together 
Bane, s. poison ; injury 
Bar, s. a fastening 
Bar, a. v. to fasten, to hinder 
Bard, s. a minstrel 
Bare, a. naked ; destitute 
Bark, s. the rind of a tree 
Barm, s. yeast for making bread 
Barn, s. a storehouse 
Base, a. mean, wicked 
Bask, n. v. to lie in the warmth 
Bat, 5. a flying animal 



The Ant is a very small in- 
sect, often trodden under foot 
by the thoughtless. Yet it af- 
fords striking proof of the wis- 
dom of God, and teaches many 
useful lessons to man. Know- 
ing that winter will come, it 
provides itself with food, and 
builds a house in which it may 
dwell in safety and comfort. 
Some of their houses, or nests, 
are very large. Some kinds of 
ants, found in hot climates, build 
nests from ten to twenty feet 
high, large enough to contain twelve men. If we were to build our 
houses as high in proportion, they would be twelve times higher 
than the monument of London. The picture now before you shews 
the shape of the nests built by the sort of ants called Termites. 
Some of these have twenty floors, besides passages. Solomon tells 
the idle and thoughtless to learn wisdom from this wonderful crea- 
ture:— "Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways and be 
wise ;" and he says further, to those who will not think and work 
like the ant, " Thy poverty shall come as one. that travelleth, and 
thy want as an armed man." 




WORDS OF ONE SYLLABLE. 



Bath, s. a place to bathe in 
Bay, 5. a part of the sea nearly- 
surrounded by land 
Beach, s. the sea-shore ; the 

part washed by the waves 
Bead, s. (beed) a small round 

ornament 
Beam, s. a large and long 

piece of timber 
Beam, 5. a ray of light 
Bean, s. a kind of grain, or 

pulse 
Bear, a. v. (bare) to carry, to 

support, to suffer ; to produce 
Bear, s. a savage animal 
Beard, s. (beerd) the hair that 

grows on the chin and lips 
Beat, a. v. to strike ; to subdue 



Beau, s. (bo) polite attendant 
Beck, n. v. to make a sign to 
Bed, s. a place to sleep on ; 

a soft or hollow place 
Bee, s. an insect 
Beech, s. a tree 
Beef, s. the flesh of oxen 
Beer, s. a liquor made from 

malt and hops 
Beet, s. a plant, or root 
Beg, n. v. to ask ; to petition 
Belt, s. a girdle ; a strap 
Bench, s. a long stool ; a seat 

of justice 
Bend, a. v. to turn ; to make 

crooked ; to subdue 
Best, a. the highest degree of 

goodness 



The Bear is a savage, 
strong, and mischievous beast 
of prey. The female is even 
more fierce and terrible than 
the male. But so careful is 
she over her young, that if 
they be attacked, her rage 
knows no boimds ; and if they 
be taken from her, she is furi- 
ous and mad, and will boldly 
risk her own life in trying 
to get them back. When 
Lord Mulgrave was searching 
for the north-west passage, his 
sailors shot some young bears. Their dam was wounded also, but she 
would not leave her young behind. She did not seem to know that they 
were dead, but got some meat and laid before them, and tried, in a 
number of ways, to persuade them to eat. Then she raised them 
with her paws ; then she went a little way and looked back, as if she 
would persuade them to follow. Then she returned, walked round 
and round them ; licked their wounds, and moaned bitterly. When 
she seemed to find that they were really dead, she looked at the men 
in the ship, growled most fiercely, and shortly after died ! When God 
threatened the Jews that he would " meet them as a bear bereaved, 
or robbed, of her whelps" he meant that He was very angry with 
them, on account of their disobedience, and that He would severely 
punish, if not destroy, them. 




8 



WORDS OF ONE 



of a 



Bilge, s. the breadth 

ship's bottom 
Bill, s. a notice, or account 
Bill, s. the beak of a bird 
Bin, s. a place where corn or 

wine is kept 
Bind, a. v. to confine, to secure ; 

to fasten ; to compel 
Birch, 5. a tree 
Bit, s. a small piece ; the 

iron part of a bridle 
Bite, a. v. to pierce with the 

teeth ; to cheat 
Bite, 5, a fraud, or cheat 
Black, s. dark ; horrible 
Blade, s. the sharp edge of 

an instrument ; a young 

shoot of corn or grass 
Blain, s. a pimple, or blister 
Blame, a. v. to charge with 

some fault 



SYLLABLE. 

Bland, a. soft, mild, gentle 
Blank, s. an empty space 
Blast, a. v. to wither on a sud- 
den ; to destroy 
Blast, s. a strong gust of wind 
Blaze, s. a flame, or light 
Bleach, a. v. to whiten 
Bleak, a. cold, chilly 
Bleed, n. v. to lose blood 
Blend, a. v. to mix, to mingle 
Bless, a. v. to make happy ; 
to wish happiness ; to give 
praise 
Blight, [blite) a. v. to blast, to 

nip, to cause to wither 
Blind, a. without sight, dark 
Blind, s. something to hinder 

the sight 
Blink, n. v. to wink ; to see 
obscurely [happiness 

Bliss, s. the highest degree of 



If you walk into the fields you may 
observe a number of birds seeking for 
food. Could you get near to them, 
you would find a great difference in the 
shape of their bills, or beaks; and if 
you watched their habits very closely, 
you would find that those differences 
were exactly suited to the kind of food 
after which they were seeking. Those 
birds whose food is chiefly small seeds, 
or crumbs, or insects, have tender, 
sharp pointed bills; as the linnet, the 
wren, and the robin.— Those who feed 
on seeds which require the husks to be 
cracked, have stronger bills; as the 
sparrow, the goldfinch, the bullfinch, 
and others. — Birds which frequent soft 
marshy places, or which are much in 
the water, mostly feed upon worms, or small fish. These have long, 
thin, pliant bills, which they thrust into the mud or sand, or which 
they dart at once at the fish they wish to devour. Some of these, as 
soon as* they find their food, draw their breath so as to suck it up 
into their mouths. Of this kind are ducks, sandpipers, snipes, rails, 




herons, and cranes. 



WORDS OF ONE SYLLABLE. 



9 



Blithe, a. merry, lively 
Bloat, a. v. to swell, to puff out 
Block, s. a short heavy piece 

of timber, or of stone 
Blood, s. (Mud) the red liquid 

in the bodies of animals 
Bloom, s. a blossom, a flower 
Blot, a. v. to darken, to spot 
Blow, s. a sudden stroke 
Blow, a. v. to make a cur- 
rent of air ; to blossom 
Blue, a, a colour 
Bluff, a. big; surly 
Blunt, a, dull ; uncivil 
Blur, a. v. to blot, or stain 
Blush, s. a red colour 
Board, s. a thin piece of wood 
Board, a. v, to supply with food 
Boast, n. v. to brag, to speak 

vainly 
Boil, n. v. to cook in hot water 



Bold, a. full of courage ; con- 
fident ; without fear 
Bolt, s, a fastening ; a dart 
Bolt, a. v. to fasten; to throw 

out suddenly 
Bomb, s. an iron shell filled 

with gunpowder 
Bone, 5. the hard solid part of 

an animal body 
Book, 5. a number of leaves 

of paper bound together 
Boon, s. a gift, a favour 
Boot, s. a covering for the leg 
Booth, s. a tent made of boards, 

boughs, or canvass 
Bore, a. v. to make a hole 
Borne, part, carried [tree 
Bough, s. (bou) a branch of a 
Bought, part, (bawi) did buy 
Bounce, n. v. to jump about ; 

to make a sudden noise 



There is another class of birds, such as 
the parrot, and the macaw, which are fond 
of nuts. These have very strong bills, of 
a hooked shape, with which they first 
crack the nut, and then dig out the kernel. 
How strong these bills are, many children 
find out, when they tease or mock them, 
or place their fingers or their cheeks too 
near the cages. — Then there is the cla<s 
called birds of prey; as the eagle, the 
vulture, the kite, and the hawk. These 
are fierce and cruel ; feeding chiefly upon 
the raw flesh of animals. They have, 
therefore, bills of great strength, sharp 
and pointed, some of them with notches, 
which act as teeth, and assist them in 
holding fast their prey, and in tearing the 
flesh from the bones. Most of these birds 
soar to a great height, and as soon as they 
discover their prey, they dart at once upon 
it, seize it with their bills, and fly away to some spot where they 
may devour it without fear of being disturbed. These all " seek 
their meat in due season," according to the desire which the Creator 
has implanted within them. 




10 



WORDS OF ONE SYLLABLE. 



Bound, s. a limit, or border ; 

a jump, or spring 
Bound, n. v. to jump, or leap 
Bow, n. v. to bend the body 
Bow, s. (bo) a bent line 
Bowl, s. (bole) a basin, a hol- 
low vessel 
Bowl, s. a ball to be rolled 

along the ground 
Box, 5. a case ; a seat 
Brace, s. a girdle ; a couple 
Braid, a. v. to weave together 
Brain, s. the seat of thought 
Brake, s. a thicket of bram- 
bles or thorns 
Bran, s< the husk of ground 
corn [many parts 

Branch, a. v. to divide into 
Brand, s. a burning stick 
Brand, s. a mark of disgrace 
Brass, s. a yellow metal 



Brave, a. bold, courageous 

Brawl, s. a quarrel 

Bray, n. v. to make a noise 

like an ass 
Breach, 5. the act of break- 
ing ; the place broken 
Bread, s. (bred) food prepared 

from corn ; food in general 
Break, a. v. to burst open ; 

to separate ; to destroy 
Break, n. v. to come asunder 
Breath, s. the air by which 

we sustain life 
Breathe, n. v. to draw in and 

force out by the lungs 
Breed, s. one kind of animals 
Breeze, s. a gentle wind 
Brew, s. (bru) to make certain 

liquors ; to contrive 
Bribe, s. a reward given for 

a bad purpose 




In eastern countries it is common for a man to "bow himself be- 
fore the king on his face upon the ground." This mode of bowing 
is also used by the Mohammedans and others, when engaged in 
prayer.— Another posture is that of bending the body very low, 
with the face "towards" the ground. In this case the hands are 
either crossed upon the breast, or made to rest upon the knees ; the 
latter is considered the most humble of the^two. — Another mode is 
with the body slightly inclined, and the hands crossed upon the 
bosom. This is a posture of devotion, and also that of a slave in the 
presence of his master. A more common bow, as a token of courtesy 
or respect, either to superiors or equals, is a slight bend of the body, 
with the right hand laid on the heart. This latter is the mode most 
common also in this country, and is thought sufficient to mark our 
respect even for those in the highest ranks of life. Bending the 
knee is another posture of respect and homage. 



WORDS OF O^NE SYLLABLE. 



11 



Brick, s. a lump of clay baked 
Bridge, s. a passage over water 
Brim, s. the edge ; the upper 

part of any vessel 
Brine, s« salt water 
Brink, 5. the edge of any place 
Brisk, a, lively, gay, active 
Broad, a. (brawd) wide, large 
Broil, a. v. to cook meat over 

the fire 
Bronze, s. a metal 
Brooch, s. an ornament 
Brood, 5. offspring 
Brood, n. v. to hatch ; to 

think ; to ponder 
Brook, s. a running water ; 

a small river 
Browse, v. to feed on herbage 
Bruise, a. v. (brooze) to press ; 

to hurt ; to crush 
Bud, s. a sprout, a shoot 



Buff, s. leather made from the 

skin of the buffalo 
Build, a. v. (bild) to raise up ; 

to establish 
Bulb, s. a round body ; a root 
Bunch, s. (bunsh) a cluster 
Buoy, s. (boy) a piece of cork 

or wood floating 
Buoy, a. v. to keep afloat 
Burse, s. a place where mer- 
chants meet on business 
Bust, s. the upper half of the 
But, conj. except, yet [body 
Butt, s. a large barrel 
Butt, a. v. to strike with the 

head, as goats do 
Buy, a. v. (by) to purchase 
Cage, s. a place of confinement 
Cake, 5. a thin, flat substance 
Call, v. (kawl) to cry out ; to 
name, to summon 



We are commanded in Scripture to "honour all men, 1 ' and to 
" be courteous :" this requires a respectful and civil behaviour. It 
is the duty of children to respect those upon whose care Providence 
has made them to depend for the supply of their wants. Respect is 
due, also, to those who are their superiors. But as they grow up 
and mix with mankind, they will find that their own comfort, as 
well as the comfort of others, will greatly depend upon the civility 
which they exercise towards each other. Early habits of rudeness 
are certain proofs of vulgar breeding, though such habits may, in 
some cases, be partly disguised by the possession of riches. In the 
earlier ages of the world, when the tallest and strongest governed 
the weak, the most humbling tokens of submission were enjoined. 
One man required another to " bow down to the earth" before him ; 
— a mode of homage due only to the Supreme Being. The effect 
of such slavish submission was suspicion and oppression on one 
hand, and meanness and misery on the other. We need not throw 
ourselves at the feet of others, nor kiss their feet, in order to shew 
our respect, as was the custom in days of old, and as is still the 
custom in some countries. But proper respect is due to all ; not 
only that of posture of body, but of kind, civil, and courteous 
words. The effect of these is so great that the wise man has said, 
" A soft answer turneth away wrath ;" and " Pleasant words are as 
an honeycomb." 



12 



WORDS OF ONE SYLLABLE. 



Call, s. a claim ; a short visit ; 

an invitation 
Calm, a. (Jcaam) quiet, gentle 
Camp, s. a number of tents 
Cape, s. a rounded point 
Car, s. a small carriage 
Care, s. concern ; caution 
Cause, a. v. (hawz) to produce, 

to bring to pass 
Cause, s. that which pro- 
duces ; the reason 
Cease, n. v. (cese) to leave off 
Cell, 5. a small cave 
Chafe, a. v. to rub ; to provoke 
Chain, s. a line of links ; a 

bond ; a fetter 
Chalk, s. a white substance 
Chance, s. accident, fortune 
Charge, a. v. to intrust; to 

accuse ; to load ; to fill 
Charm, a. v. to delight ; to 

gain over ; to subdue 
Chart, 5. a map of coasts 



Chase, a. v. to hunt, to pursue 
Chasm, s. (Jkasm) a deep cleft 
Chaste, a. pure, free from stain 
Cheer, a. v. to make glad 
Cheer, s. good provisions 
Cheese, s. food prepared from 

curdled milk 
Chide, a. v. to blame, to scold 
Chief, s. a commander 
Chief, a. the leading part 
Chill, a. cold ; dejected 
Chime, n. v. to agree in sound 
Chink, s. a small opening 
Chip, s. a small piece 
Choice, s. the act of choos- 
ing ; the thing chosen 
Choke, a. v. to stop up 
Chord, s. (kord) the string of 

a musical instrument 
Clan, s. a family ; a race 
Clank, s. a loud sharp noise 
Clasp, n. v. to hold together 
Class, s. an order of persons 



The Carts of ancient times 
were little more than a few 
pieces of rough wood, rudely 
fastened together; made to roll 
by being fixed upon clumsy 
wheels, and drawn by one or 
more oxen. Carriages of this 
sort are still to be seen in some 
parts of Asia, carrying fruit, 
corn, or vegetables, to market. 
There is another sort with a tilt 
over it, used only by women 
and children, or by the sick and aged ; very much like the little 
covered wagons in which, in this country, the people called Gypsies 
go with their wares, their furniture, and their children, from place 
to place. How very different from those light spring carriages, in 
which we now see persons travelling at the rate of ten or twelve 
miles an hour ; and very different, too, from those carts, or wagons, 
drawn by a number of strong horses, in which the heaviest goods 
are conveyed with speed and safety from one part of the kingdom to 
another. The ancient cart, loaded, with iron or large stone, was 
dragged over corn, by oxen, for the purpose of threshing out the ears. 




WORDS OF ONE SYLLABLE. 



13 



Clause, s. a sentence 

Claws, 5. the sharp nails, or 

feet, of birds and beasts 
Cleanse, a. v. to make clean 
Clear, a. bright, free from stain 
Clear, a. v. to purify 
Cleave, a. v. to divide, to split 
Cleave, n. v. to stick close 
Climb, a. v. to mount up 
Cloak, s. a loose garment 
Close, a. v. (cloze) to shut ; to 

finish 
Close, a. shut fast, compact 
Clothe, a. v. to dress, to cover 
Cloud, s. a vapour, a mist 
Coal, 5. (hole) a substance used 

for fuel 
Coil, a. v. to wind round 
Coin, s. stamped money 
Coke, s. cinder of coal 



Colt, s. a young horse 
Comb, s. an instrument to 

smooth the hair with 
Come, n. v. to draw near 
Cool, a. slightly cold 
Cork, s. a light kind of wood 
Corn, s. seeds such as wheat, 

barley, and oats 
Corps, s. (kore) a body of 

men, or soldiers 
Corpse, s. a dead body 
Cost, s. the price of anything 
Cot, s. a small house 
Couch, s. a place to rest on 
Cove, s. a small bay, a shelter 
Cough, s. (koff) a convulsion of 

the lungs 
Count, a. v. to number 
Course, s. a way, a road ; 

manner of proceeding 



The Claws of birds, as well as their 
Bills, are suited to their different habits 
and pursuits. Birds of prey, who seize, 
and rend, and tear their food, have very 
strong feet, armed with sharp, hooked 
claws. Such is the case with the eagle, 
the vulture, and the hawk. Those 
which hop from twig to twig, have 
light, delicate legs, toes, and claws, for 
the purpose of grasping tightly round 
that upon which they perch. Birds 
that walk or stand much, have a flat- 
ter kind of foot, with short stout claws, 
for the purpose of scratching for food. 
Some of the males have a strong sharp 
claw, or spur, on the side of their legs, 
with which they can inflict deep 
wounds. Birds which live chiefly on 
the water, as swans, geese, and ducks, 
have short blunt claws, and are, what 



their toes being connected by a thick 
skin, which enables them to use their feet as paddles or oars when 
they are swimming. Those birds which wade in the water, or 
stand in the mud, have long slender legs, and half webbed toes ; and 
are able, many of them, to run very swiftly. 

b2 




14 



WORDS OF ONE SYLLABLE. 



Court, s. a palace ; an open 

space 
Court, a. v. to solicit, to pay- 
respect to ; to seek 
Crag, s. a rough, steep rock 
Crane, 5. a bird ; a machine 

for lifting weights 
Crave, a. v. to long for, or to 

ask for earnestly 
Crawl, n. v. to move slowly 
Craze, a. v. to confuse, to crack 
Cream, 5. the oily part of 

milk ; the best of anything 
Creed, s. a form of belief 
Crest, s. a plume of feathers 
Crew, s. a ship's company 
Crime, s. a great fault 
Cringe, n. v. to stoop, to sink 
Croak, n. v. to make a hoarse 



Cross, a. v. to hinder, to dis- 
appoint 
Cross, a. peevish, fretful 
Crow, n. v. to make a noise ; 

to boast 
Crown, s. an ornament of dig- 
nity ; the top of anything 
Crown, a. v. to reward, to 

exalt, to honour 
Cruse, s. a small jar 
Crust, s. an outer coat 
Crutch, s. a support used by 

lame persons 
Cry, n. v. to make a loud 

noise ; to lament, to weep 
Cull, a. v. to gather, to select 
Cup, s. a drinking vessel 
Curb, a. v. to check, to hinder 
Curb, s. an hindrance, or re- 
straint : a chain 



A Cruse is a small urn, or jar, 
used for holding water, honey, or 
oil. In the Bible we read that 
when the prophet Elijah was in 
want, God directed him to go to 
a certain widow, whom He had 
commanded to sustain him. And 
when Elijah came to the gate of 
the city of Zarephath, behold, the 
woman was there gathering sticks. 
Elijah asked her to fetch him a 
little water and a morsel of bread. 
And she said, As the Lord thy 
God liveth, I have not a cake, but an handful of meal in a barrel, 
and a little oil in a cruse : and behold, I am gathering two sticks, 
that I may go in and dress it for me and my son, that we may eat it, 
and die. And Elijah said unto her, Fear not; go and do as thou hast 
said : but make me thereof a little cake first, and bring it to me, and 
after make for thee and thy son. For thus saith the Lord God of 
Israel, The barrel of meal shall not waste, neither shall the cruse of 
oil fail, until the day that the Lord sendeth rain upon the earth. 
And she went and did according to the saying of Elijah : and she, 
and he, and her house did eat many days. And the barrel of meal 
wasted not, neither did the cruse of oil fail, according to the word 
of the Lord, which he spake by Elijah. 




WORDS OF ONE SYLLABLE. 



15 



Cure, a. v. to heal ; to make 

well; to remedy [round 
Curl, a. v. to twist, to bend 
Curse, a. v. to wish evil 
Cut, a. v. to divide, or shorten 
Cut, s. the space made by 

cutting ; a wound 
Dale, s. a vale, or valley 
Dam, a. v. to confine ; to 

stop up 
Damn, a. v. to condemn 
Damp, a. moist, not dry 
Dance, n. v. to move nimbly 
Dare, a. v. to defy, to venture 
Dart, s. a pointed weapon 
Dash, a. v. to throw suddenly 
Date, s. a certain time 
Date, s. the fruit of the palm 
Daunt, a. v. to frighten, to 

discourage 



Dawn, s. the break of day 
Dearth, s. a scarcity ; want 
Deal, n. v. to trade with any one 
Deal, s. wood of the fir-tree 
Dear, a. beloved, valuable 
Debt, 5. (det) what is owing 

to another 
Deed, s. a thing done 
Deem, n. v. to think, to judge 
Deep, a. of great depth 
Deign, n. v. (dane) to grant 
Delve, a. v. to dig 
Den, s. a cave, or cavern 
Dense, a. close, nearly solid 
Die, n. v. to give up life 
Dike, 5. a ditch, a water-course 
Dip, n. v. to wet; to put in- 
to any liquor 
Dire, a. dreadful, dismal 
Dirge, s. a mournful song 



The Date is the fruit of the palm 
tree, which grows in the wastes of 
Arabia. It comes to perfection in about 
thirty years, and continues in that state 
for about seventy years more. Some 
are supposed to have lived for more than 
two hundred years. The branches 
spring forth from the top, and from be- 
tween them and the leaves fifteen or 
twenty bunches of fruit grow, each 
bunch weighing from ten to twenty 
pounds. Palm trees give a cheerful 
appearance to the spot where they 
grow; especially as water is sure to be 
found near them. The fruit when ripe 
is soft, pulpy, and very sweet. But 
great quantities are dried, when they 
become hard, and will keep for a long 
time, furnishing pleasant and nourishing food. In the date coun- 
tries, the fruit is so valued, that when there is plenty, it is a season 
of much rejoicing. The kernel, when softened, makes excellent food 
for cattle ; and every part of the tree is applied to some useful pur- 
pose. To this tree, so remarkable for its beauty, its usefulness, and 
its vigour, David compares good men :— " The righteous shall 
flourish like the Palm tree : they shall still bring forth fruit in old 
age ; they shall be fat and flourishing." 




16 



WORDS OF ONE SYLLABLE. 



Disk, s. the face of the sun, or 

of a planet 
Dive, n. v. to go deeply into 

anything 
Doe, s. a she deer 
Dome, s. a building, the top 

of which is a half circle 
Doom, s. a sentence ; judgment 
Dose, s. a share, or quantity 
Dove, s. (duv) a bird 
Dough, s. (do) unbaked paste 
Down, s. soft feathers, or wool 
Down, s. a large open plain 
Doze, n. v. to sleep lightly 
Drachm, s. (dram) the eighth 

part of an ounce 
Drag, s. an instrument with 

hooks, used to draw things 

out of the water 
Drain, v. to draw off slowly 
Draught, s. (draft) the quan- 
tity drank at once ; a sketch 



Draw, a. v. to pull along 
Drawl, n. v. to speak slowly 
Dread, s. fear, terror 
Drear, a. dismal, gloomy 
Dress, a. v. to prepare, to 

make ready 
Drift, s. the course; design 

of anything 
Drill, a. v. to pierce ; to train 
Drink, a. v. to swallow 
Droll, a. comic, merry 
Drone, s. a bee that makes 

no honey ; a lazy person 
Drop, n. v. to fall ; to sink 
Dross, s. the scum, or leav- 
ings of any substance 
Drove, s. a number of cattle ; 

a crowd 
Drought, s. (drout) dry wea- 
ther ; thirst 
Drown, v. to choke in wa- 
ter, to overflow 



Doves are remarkable for their gentle- 
ness, innocence, and faithfulness; and in 
the New Testament we . are told to be 
"harmless as doves." When wild, they 
build their nests in the holes of rocks, or in 
hollow trees. But they are easily tamed, 
and then they build in houses made on 
purpose for them, called dove-cotes. Near 
one of the cities in Persia, called Isphahan, 
there are a great many of these ; they are 
large round towers, with little windows at 
the top, through which the pigeons, or 
doves, descend ; and the insides are pierced 
with a thousand holes, each of which forms a snug nest. They are 
kept cheifly for their dung, which is very valuable manure, and their 
owners are so careful of them, that they take more pains in ornament- 
ing the outsides of these houses than they do of their own. The flights 
of doves which come to these buildings are sometimes so numerous, 
that at a little distance they look like a cloud, and actually obscure 
the sun in their passage. This may lead us to understand that verse 
in Isaiah, where the prophet, looking forward to the time when great 
numbers should come from all parts to worship the true God, exclaims, 
" Who are these that fly as a cloud, and as the doves to their window ?" 




WORDS OF ONE SYLLABLE. 



17 



Drug, s. a medicine 
Drum, s. a musical instrument 
Drunk, a. in liquor ; intox- 
icated 
Duck, s. a waterfowl 
Duck, n. v. to dip under the 

water 
Duct, s. a passage 
Due, a. owing ; proper, fit 
Duke, s. the highest rank in 

the English nobility 
Dull, a. drowsy, stupid 
Dumb, a. silent, or not able 

to speak 
Dun, a. a dark brown colour 
Dunce, s. a stupid fellow 
Dupe, s. a man imposed upon 
Dusk, s. the beginning of the 

darkness of night 
Dwarf, s. a short person 
Dwell, n. v. to live in a place 
Dye, s. a colour or stain 



Earl, s. a title of the third 
rank of English nobility 

Earth, s. one of the four ele- 
ments ; the ground 

Ease, s. quiet, rest 

East, s. the part of the earth 
whence the sun rises 

Ebb, n. v. to flow back 

Edge, s. the cutting part of 
a blade ; the brink of any 
surface 

Elk, s. a large animal of the 
stag kind 

End, s. the conclusion 

Err, n. v. to mistake ; to 
wander 

Face, s. the countenance ; 
the front of any thing 

Face, a. v. to meet in front 

Fact, s. a thing done, a truth 

Fade, n. v. to grow pale ; to 
decay ; to wear away 



\mS'U 




The Elk is often called the Moose 
Deer. It is found in various parts of 
the world. It is the largest of the deer 
tribe, and is distinguished by the 
broadness and strength of its antlers, 
or horns. His weapons are his horns 
and hoofs ; with the latter he is able to 
kill a wolf, or other large animal, at a 
blow. His usual pace is an awkward 
trot ; but when frightened he can go at 
a terrible gallop. He swims with ease and swiftness, and is very 
fond of water. His flesh is considered excellent, and his skin is em- 
ployed for many useful purposes. The American Indians are very 
clever at hunting the Moose. But the chase is sometimes attended 
with danger ; for if the animal be not killed with the first shot, he 
will turn with fury upon his enemy. In one case, the hunter was 
obliged to shelter himself behind a large tree, and the enraged animal 
completely stripped the bark from the trunk, by striking it with his 
fore-feet. In another case, the chase was kept up for six days. On 
the fourth day the men were tired out ; but one of them, after resting 
for twelve hours, followed the Elk for two days more, and at length 
killed it. The Moose, however, is easily taken when young, and 
soon becomes tame and familiar. 



18 



WORDS OF ONE SYLLABLE. 



Fail, n. v. to get weary ; to fall 
short ; to cease ; to miss 

Fail, a. v. to desert, to neg- 
lect ; not to perform 

Faint, a. weary, faint, feeble 

Faint, n.v. to sink with weak- 
ness ; to grow feeble 

Fair, a. clear, handsome ; just 

Fair, s. a large market 

Faith, s. trust in God, belief ; 
confidence in another 

Fall, n. v. to drop, to sink ; 
to perish ; to happen 

False, a. not true, deceitful 

Fane, s. a temple 

Fare, s. price paid ; food 

Farm, s. ground let to a tenant 

Fast, n.v. to refrain from food 

Fast, a. firmly fixed 

Fast, ad. swiftly ; nimbly ; 
frequently 

Fault, s. an offence, a defect 



Fawn, s. a young deer 
Fear, s. dread, terror 
Feast, s. a plentiful meal 
Fee, a. v. to reward, to bribe 
Feed, a. v. to supply with 

food, to nourish 
Feel, n. v. to perceive by 

touching 
Feign, a. v. (fane) to invent ; 

to dissemble ; to pretend 
Fell, a. v. to knock down 
Fell, a. cruel, savage 
Fen, s. a bog, a marsh 
Fence, s. a rail, a security 
Field, s. an open space 
Fierce, a. savage, furious 
Fife, s. a musical instrument 
Fig, s. a rich fruit 
Fight, n. v. to contend in 

battle ; to quarrel 
File, s. a tool ; a line 
Film, s. a thin skin 



The Fig is the fruit of a tree which 
grows naturally in Asia, and is cul- 
tivated, also, in the warmer parts of 
Europe. It forms a valuable article 
of trade, not less than a thousand tons 
of figs being brought every year into 
Great Britain alone. The fruit is 
shaped somewhat like a pear, of a 
dull green colour with purpleish 
streaks. It consists of a thick skin, 
filled with small seeds and a quantity 
of sirupy juice ; and when ripe is 
soft, sweet, and very nourishing. 
The greater portion, however, of the 
fruit is dried, and packed close, which 
causes the fig to appear like a flat 
cake. It is a striking proof of the 
.<^w^' "" ' goodness of God, that he has caused 
this tree to grow in perfection in rocky and barren places, affording 
delightful shade and shelter to large companies, at the same time that 
it yields them an abundant supply of refreshing fruit. Hence, peace, 
comfort, and security are represented in Scripture by "every man 
dwelling safely under his vine, and under his fig tree." 




WORDS OF ONE SYLLABLE. 



1£ 



Fine, a. handsome ; clear 
Fine, a. v. to purify ; to in- 
flict a penalty 
Fire, s. the element that burns 
Fire, a, v. to heat, to excite 
Firm, a. strong, constant 
First, a. the beginning ; earli- 
est ; chief ; excellent 
Fit, a. proper, convenient 
Fix, a. v. to settle, to make 

fast or firm 
Flame, s. a light from fire 
Flank, s, the side 
Flash, s. a sudden, quick blaze 
Flat, a. level, smooth 
Flaw, 5. a crack, a defect 
Flax, s. the plant from which 

linen is made 
Fleece, s. the wool shorn from 

one sheep's back 
Fleet, s. a number of ships 



Fleet, a. active, swift 
Flinch, n. v. to shrink from 
Fling, a. v. to cast away 
Flitch, s. the side of a hog 

salted and dried 
Float, n. v. to swim on the 

surface of water 
Flock, s. a company 
Flood, s. (flud) a body of 

water ; the act of flowing 
Floor, s. a pavement, or bot- 
. torn of a room 
Flue, s. a small chimney 
Flush, n. v. to flow quickly 
Flux, s. a flow; the act of 

flowing 
Fly, n. v. to move with wings ; 

to move swiftly 
Fly, a. v. to shun, to avoid 
Font, s. a vessel to hold water 

for baptism 



A Font is a vessel used in places of 
worship to hold water for religious pur- 
poses, and, chiefly, for the purpose of 
baptism. Fonts are of various shapes. 
The top is hollowed out for the water, and 
the sides and the stem are often highly 
enriched with carvings, colours, and gild- 
ing. Sometimes the stem is placed upon 
two or three steps, and the sides of those 
steps are richly ornamented. In many 
churches the basin of the font is covered 
with a wooden lid, about which, also, 
there is much carved work. 
The First-born was a title of great importance among the Jews, 
and usually had connected with it high honours. A beautiful spe- 
cimen will be found in the language addressed by the dying Jacob 
to his eldest son :— " Reuben, thou art my first born; my might; the 
beginning of my strength; the excellency of power." The First 
Fruits were the earliest produce of the land, which God required 
in Canaan to be presented to him, as a tribute which was due to him 
as the Creator of all things. Hence, also, the young are commanded 
to present the first-fruits of their lives — their earliest affection, and 
their earliest obedience— to God : " Remember now thy Creator 




in the days of thy youth.' 



20 



WORDS OF ONE SYLLABLE. 



Foal, s. the young of a beast 
of burden 

Foam, s. froth ; lather 

Foe, s. an enemy 

Foil, a. v. to puzzle, to defeat 

Fold, a. v. to double ; to pass 
round ; to shut in 

Fond, a. greatly pleased with ; 
kind, indulgent 

Fool, 5. a silly fellow, a buf- 
foon ; an idiot 

Force, s. strength, power 

Force, a. v. to compel, to 
overpower 

Ford, a. v. to cross a shallow 

Forge, a. v. to form into shape ; 
to contrive ; to imitate 

Form, s. shape, figure, out- 
side appearance 

Form, a. v. to make, to shape 

Frail, a. weak, easily destroyed 



Frame, s. shape ; form ; an 

enclosure 
Frame, a. v. to put together; 

to contrive 
Fray, s. a 'quarrel, a fight 
Freak, s. a sudden fancy 
Free, a. at liberty, without 

cost; liberal 
Freeze, n. v. to become hard 

and stiff with cold, as ice 
Freight, s. a ship load, cargo 
Fresh, a. new ; cool ; strong ; 

not salt ; sweet 
Fret, n. v. to be angry, or 

vexed, or peevish 
Fright, s. sudden terror 
Fringe, s. an ornament added 

to clothes or furniture 
Frisk, n. v. to leap, or skip 

s. a small animal found 

in damp places 



Frog, 




The Frog is a harmless animal 
found in most damp places. It 
abounds in the rivers of Egypt, and 
is one of the animals to which the 
people of that country offered divine 
worship. This worship was offered, 
no doubt, from motives of fear, the 
frog being, in reality, a great 
nuisance to them. In this con- 
sisted the greatness of the plague 
with which God visited them, when 
they refused to "let his people go." He multiplied the frogs in such 
numbers that " they came into the houses, and into the chambers, 
and upon the beds, and into the ovens, and into the kneading troughs, 
and upon all the land." Afterwards, when the frogs died, "the peo- 
ple gathered them together upon heaps, so that the land stank." As 
frogs cannot climb, it may be wondered how they could get into 
such places : but the lodging places in Egypt were on the ground 
floor; and the places called "ovens" were holes dug in the ground, 
with an earthen pot placed in them. To find such places full of frogs 
when they came to heat them in order to bake their bread, and to 
see frogs in the beds where they sought repose, must indeed have 
been "a great plague." But it was a plague which they brought 
upon themselves by their wilful disobedience to the commands of 
the Great Ruler of heaven and earth. 



WORDS OF ONE SYLLABLE. 



21 



Front, s. the face, the forepart 
Frost, s. the effect of cold, 

producing ice 
Froth, s. foam ; lather ; use- 
less matter 
Frown, a. v. to contract the 

brow, to look displeased 
Fruit, s. the produce of any- 
thing, or the effect 
Fry, s. a swarm of young 

fishes ; things fried 
Full, a. complete 
Fume, s. a smoke, vapour 
Fund, s. a store, stock, capital 
Fur, s. soft hair of beasts 
Fuse, a. v. to melt by heat 
Gage, s. a pledge ; a security 
Gain, a. v. to obtain, to win 
Gain, s. profit, advantage 
Gait, s. manner of walking 
Gale, s. a strong wind 



Gall, s. a bitter juice in the 

stomach ; malice 
Gall, a. v. to provoke, to chafe 
Game, s. a play ; a sport 
Gang, s. a company ; a troop 
Gaol, s. (Jale) a prison 
Gap, s. an opening, a breach 
Gape, n. v. to yawn, to open 

the mouth wide ;, to stare 
Garb, s. dress, outside appear- 
ance 
Gas, s. a spirituous fluid 
Gash, s. a deep wide cut 
Gasp, n. v. to open the mouth 

wide, to catch the breath 

with difficulty 
Gate, s. a door, or opening 
Gauge, a. v. {gage) to measure 
Gaunt, a. thin, lean 
Gauze, s. (gaws) silk or linen 

woven very fine 



A Gate is the entrance to a house, or 
city. In eastern countries the houses do 
not front the street, but the entrance from 
thence leads to a court, beyond which the 
house appears. The outer gates, or doors, 
though strong, are generally small, and 
mean, and even beggarly, in their appear- 
ance, even where the inhabitant is a person 
of real wealth. The Arabs are in the habit 
of riding into the houses of those whom 
they intend to plunder or oppress ; hence, a 
close narrow door, or gate, is at once a dis- 
guise and a defence. But rich men in the 
East are fond of outward show, and this 
exposes them to danger. Solomon says, " he that exalteth his gate 
seeketh destruction." This is often the case. In the City of Bagdad 
there was an exalted, and finely ornamented gate, to a house which 
belonged to a man of great wealth and influence. He fancied him- 
self secure: but he soon proved the truth of Solomon's words. One 
day, as he was riding through the street, he was dragged from his 
horse and put to death on the spot, by order of the Pasha, who im- 
mediately seized upon all his property. In many parts of the East, 
the gate of a town or city was the place of public assembly, where 
the kings or governors sat, to hear grievances, and to administer 
justice. 




22 



WORDS OF ONE SYLLABLE. 



Gay, a. lively, merry, shewy 
Gaze, n. v. to look earnestly 
Gem, s. a precious stone, or 

jewel 
Germ, s. & shoot, a bud 
Gild, a. v. to cover with thin 

gold ; to adorn 
Gills, s. openings in the sides 

of a fish's head 
Gird, a. v. to bind round 
Girth, 5. a band ; the measure 

enclosed 
Give, a. v. to present, to grant, 

to allow, to yield 
Glad, a. pleased ; gay ; cheerful 
Glance, s. a sudden look, or 

dart of light 
Glare, n. v. to shine ; to dazzle 
Glaze, a. v. to cover with 
to make shining 



Gleam, s. a sudden shoot of 

ligKt ; a flash 
Glean, a. v. to gather, to collect 
Glee, s. joy, merriment ; a 

song for three voices 
Glide, n. v. to flow gently 

and silently 
Glimpse, s. a faint light ; a 

sudden but short sight 
Globe, s. the earth ; a ball, 

or round body 
Gloom, s. darkness, melancholy 
Gloss, s. comment ; lustre 
Glow, n. v. to shine, to burn 

fiercely 
Gnarl, n. v. (riarl) to murmur, 

to snarl 
Gnash, a. v. (nasK) to grind 

together 
Gnat, s. a small stinging fly 




The Gnat is a small 
insect, by the sharp sting 
of which persons who 
reside in the country are 
often annoyed. Like 
most insects, it is re- 
markable for the curi- 
ous changes it passes 
through, and for the care 
it takes in providing for 
the safety of its eggs. 
The Gnat lays her eggs 
upon water; but as every egg, if single, would sink, she con- 
trives to glue two or three hundred of them together, so as to form a 
sort of boat which will swim safe and unhurt. The way in which 
she does this is wonderful. The Gnat has six legs : the four front 
legs she rests on a floating leaf, or on the side of a tub. She then 
crosses her two hind legs in the shape of the letter X, the open part 
of which, next the tail, serves for the egg to lay upon till the boat is 
formed. When that is done, she flies away, and leaves the eggs to 
be hatched by the heat of the sun. The grubs first appear as little 
reddish-coloured maggots, and may be seen sporting by thousands 
in the water. Eight or ten days after they prepare for flight. They 
raise the forepart of their bodies quite out of the water, resting upon 
their hinder parts, and floating along like boats with sails. Their 
wings are soon fully formed, and then they soar away into the air. 



WORDS OF ONE SYLLABLE. 



23 



Gnaw, a. v. (naw)to tear slowly 
with the teeth ; to wear by 
biting 
Goad, a, v. to drive, pricking 

with a sharp instrument 
Goal, s. (gole) a starting point 

at a race ; a final purpose 
God, s. the Creator ; the Su- 
preme Being 
Gold, s. the most valuable of 

all metals 
Good, a. proper ; right ; fit 
Goods, s. moveables in a house, 

articles for sale 
Gore, s. thick or clotted blood 
Gore, a. v. to stab, to pierce 
Gourd, s. a plant, and its fruit 
Gown, s. a loose upper garment 
Grace, s. free favour, kindness ; 

beauty, elegance 
Grace, a. v. to adorn, to dignify 



Graft, a. v. to place, to insert 

a branch of one tree into 

the stem of another 
Grain, s. a single seed of corn ; 

the way in which the fibres 

of wood run 
Grand, a. great ; splendid ; 

high ; chief 
Grange, 5. a farm 
Grant, a. v. to allow, to per- 
mit, to give 
Grape, s. the fruit of the vine 
Grasp, a. v. to catch at, to 

seize, to hold fast 
Grate, s. a row of bars ; a 

fire-place 
Grate, n. v. to wear away by 

rubbing harshly 
Grave, s. a place where dead 

bodies are laid 
Grave, a. serious, solemn 




A Goad is a long staff pointed with iron, used in driving cattle, 
and especially oxen. It was formerly used in this country, but in 
consequence of the cruelties practised by drovers, it is, very properly, 
forbidden, In Syria, however, it is still used. In ploughing the 
ground for corn, the oxen are yoked in pairs. The ploughman holds 
by the handle of the plough with one hand, and bears in the other a 
goad seven or eight feet long, armed with a sharp point of iron at 
one end, and a piece of iron shaped like a chisel at the other. The 
oxen are spurred now and then with the point of the goad, and the 
earth is cleared from the plough with the other. There have been 
cases in which the goad has been used as a weapon of war. 

Solomon compares " the words of the wise' to goads :— his mean- 
ing is that such words are sharp and pointed, and as likely to make 
an impression, to produce an effect upon the minds of those who hear 
them, as pointed goads are upon the animals to whom they are applied. 



24 



WORDS OF ONE SYLI A.BLE. 



Graze, n. v. to feed on grass 
Graze, a. v. to touch slightly- 
Great, a. large, high, grand, 

powerful 
Green, a. a grassy plain ; un- 
ripe ; young 
Greet, a. v. to salute, to com- 
pliment 
Grief, s. sorrow, affliction 
Grieve, v. (greev) to trouble, 

to hurt ; to afflict 
Grind, a. v. to crush to pow- 
der ; to sharpen, or smooth 
Gripe, a. v. to hold fast 
Groan, n. v. to make a mourn- 
ful noise with the breath 
Gross, a. heavy ; bulky ; 

coarse ; shameful 
Grove, s. a walk covered by 

trees 
Group, s. (groop) a cluster 
Grudge, a. v. to give unwil- 
lingly, to envy 



Guard, a. v. to watch, to pro- 
tect, to defend 
Guess, n. v. (gess) to think or 

suppose at random 
Guest, jr. a visitor 
Guide, a. v. to direct, to lead 
Guild, s. (gild) a society ; a 

corporation 
Guile, 5. deceit, false cunning 
Guilt, s. (gilt) crime, sin 
Gull, s. a sea bird ; a person 

easily cheated 
Gush, n. v. to flow, or rush 

out with violence 
Gust, s. a sudden blast of wind 
Hail, s. drops of frozen rain 
Hail, a. v. to salute, to call 
Hair, s. the natural covering 

of the head 
Hale, a. sound, in good health 
Hale, a. v. to drag by force 
Hall, s. a large room, or court 
Halt, n. v. to stop, to limp 



Hair is a kind of horn, drawn out into very fine threads. It has 
a regular root, or bulb, just beneath the surface of the skin, consisting 
of soft pulp, made up of blood-vessels and nerves. From this the hair 
springs up in an elastic solid form, and grows so fast as often to re- 
quire trimming. A fine head of hair is generally considered an 
ornament ; and those who have it are apt to be proud. But there 
is one remarkable instance in which a fine head of hair was the 
cause of danger and death. Of Absalom, one of the sons of king 
David, it is said, that " in all Israel there was none to be so much 
praised as Absalom for his beauty : from the sole of his foot even to 
the crown of his head, there was no blemish in him." It is also 
stated that he had a great quantity of fine flowing hair. He was 
obliged, about once a year, to have this cut; and he always had it 
weighed, that people might talk about his "fine head of hair." 
Absalom was as wicked and vain as he was handsome ! He rebelled 
against his father, who was dotingly fond of him, and greatly in- 
dulged him, and he stirred up the people to rebel also. At last the 
two parties came to battle, and more than twenty thousand men 
were slain;— and all in consequence of this unnatural rebellion! 
Absalom tried to escape through a wood upon a swift mule. "And 
the mule went under the boughs of a thick oak, and Absalom's head 
caught hold of the oak, and he was taken up between the heaven and 



WORDS OF ONE SYLLABLE. 



25 



Hand, a. v. to give with the 

hand, to lay hands upon 
Hang, a. v. to suspend ; to 
suppott from some place or 
thing above 
Hard, a. firm, close ; difficult 
Hare, s. a small animal 
Harm, s. hurt ; injury ; mischief 
Harp, s. a musical instrument 
Harsh, a. rough, severe 
Hash, a. v. to cut into small 

pieces, and mingle 
Hatch, a. v. to produce young 

from eggs 
Hate, a. v. to detest, to dis- 
like very much 
Haul, a. v. to pull, to drag 
Haunt, a. v. to visit a place 
very often 



Hawk, s. a bird of prey 
Hay, s. dried grass 
Haze, s. fog, mist 
Head, s. the top ; the chief 
Heal, a. v. to make well 
Health, s. freedom from sick- 
ness or pain 
Heap, s. a pile; a number of 
things thrown together 
- Heart, s. the vital part ; the 
middle of any object 
Hearth, s. a fire-place 
Heat, s. the influence of fire 
Heath, s. a wild plant ; a wild 

space of ground 
Heave, a. v. to lift ; to vomit 
Hedge, a. v. to enclose, to 

shut in 
Heed, a. v. to mind, to notice 



the earth, and the mule that was under him went away." While he 
was thus hanging, David's chief officer came and ran him through 




--. ^' - ^:$Ff ' --,-r '<'^^<?M\>*~Z 



the heart with three darts ! Thus, one of the chief objects of his 
pride was the means of his being brought to death, in the midst of 
his folly and his sin. 



26 



WORDS OF ONE SYLLABLE. 



Height, s. {kite) the measure 

of an object upwards 
Helm, s. that by which a ship 

or boat is guided 
Herd, s. a number of beasts ; 

a company of men 
Hew, a. v. to cut with an axe 
Hide, s. the skin of a beast 
High, a. (hi) lofty ; eminent 
Hinge, s. a joint on which a 

gate or door turns 
Hire, a. v. to engage for pay 
Hiss, n. v. to make a noise like 

a serpent; to condemn 
Hive, s. the place in which 

bees are kept 
Hoar, a. white, like frost 
Hoard, a. v. to lay in store 

secretly 
Hoarse, a. having a rough 

harsh voice 



Hoof, s. the hard substance on 

the feet of some animals 
Hoop, s. a circular bend 
Hoop, n. v. to shout, or call 
Hope, s. expectation of good ; 

desire ; confidence 
Horde, s. a clan, or body of 

wandering people 
Horn, s. a hard substance on 

the heads of some animals 
Hose, s. stockings 
Host, s. one who entertains 

another 
House, a. v. to take shelter ; 

to put into a house 
Howl, ji. v. to cry in distress 
Hue, s. dye, colour ; an alarm 
Hulk, s. the body of a ship 
Hull, s. a husk, or shell 
Hunt, a. v. to pursue ; to 

search for : to chase 



The Horn is the chief defence 
and strength of many animals, as 
the Ox, the Goat, the Stag, and 
others. It is also their ornament 
and their glory. Hence the word 
horn is frequently used in the Bible 
to denote strength, influence, and 
glory. The wicked are warned 
not to exalt their horn against the 
righteous; and the righteous are 
heard praising God that their horn 
is exalted. In several countries a 
sort of horn is worn as an ornament. 
In Egypt, Mr. Bruce saw some 
chiefs with a broad band round their foreheads, having jewels on the 
edges, and in the middle a piece of silver gilt, about four inches long, 
in the shape of a horn. This is worn at reviews, and on other pub- 
lic occasions ; and the wearers hold up their heads to prevent its 
falling off. This agrees with the text, — " Lift not your horn on high ; 
speak not with a stiff neck." Some of the women in Syria, in Tyre, 
and in various parts of Russia, also, wear an ornament of the same 
kind. The Druses, of Lebanon, wear a silver horn, with jewels. A 
married woman wears it on the right side of the head, a widow on 
the left, and an unmarried woman on the crown. A large veil is 
thrown over the horn, with which the face is covered. 




WORDS OF ONE SYLLABLE. 



27 



Hurl, a. v. to throw with vio- 
lence 
Hurt, a. v. to injure, to wound 
Hut, s. a poor cottage 
Hymn, s. a song of praise 
Jre, s. anger, passionate ha- 
tred 
Jade, a. v. to tire, to weary- 
Jam, s. fruit preserved by boil- 
ing with sugar 
Jar, s. a rattling sound ; a dis- 
turbance ; an earthen vessel 
Jar, n. v. to strike together 
Jaw, s. the bone of the mouth 
in which the teeth are placed 
Join, a. #. to place together ; 

to unite ; to accompany 
Join, n. v. to grow together 
Joint, s. the place where 

things are joined 
Joint, a. united, combined 
Joist, s. a small beam 



Joy, s. gladness ; merriment 
Juice, s. the liquor or sap found 

in plants and trees ; a fluid 

in animal bodies 
Judge, s. one who presides in 

a court of justice 
Judge, n. v. to form an opinion 
Jump, n. v. to bound 
Junk, s. a Chinese ship ; 

pieces of old rope 
Just, a. honest ; fair ; exact 
Keel, 5. the bottom of a ship 
Keen, a. sharp, cutting, severe 
Keep, a. v. to hold ; to pre- 
serve ; to detain 
Keep, n. v. to remain in the 

same place, or state 
Kid, s. the young of a goat 
Kill, a. v. to take away life 
Kiln, 5. (kit) a building in 

which to dry or burn things 
Kin, s. relations, kindred 



Junks are vessels much used 
in China. They are clumsy and 
frail, but long voyages are made 
in them, and the fishermen will 
put out in them in very bad 
weather. Though ill suited to 
make way against the wind, or 
in a heavy sea, they proceed very 
swiftly and safely with a favour- 
able wind. Their rigging consists 
of two or three masts, on which 
are placed large square sails. The 
sails are made of reed and straw 
matting, stretched upon stout 
bamboos, to the ends of which 
lines are fastened for the purpose of 
bending the sails to the wind. The anchors are rudely made of wood 
with great stones fastened to them, but without any stock across to 
ensure their taking hold. Long oars are used to assist in turning 
the vessel round. The hold is divided by stout planks, and the seams 
are filled up with a cement of lime and oil. The cabin is small, and 
round it are the berths of the crew, each having a mat, and a hard 
stuffed cushion for a pillow. 




28 



WORDS OF ONE SYLLABLE. 



Kind, a. tender ; loving ; gen- 
tle ; favourable 
Kind, s. nature, sort, class 
Kite, s. a large bird of prey ; 

a toy to fly in the air 
Knave, s. {nave) a rogue ; a 

dishonest person 
Knead, a. v. (need) to mix 

dough for bread 
Knell, s. (nel) the mournful 

sound of a bell 
Knit, a. v. (nit) to join closely 

together 
Knock, s.(nok) a sudden stroke, 

a blow 
Knot, s. (not) a tie ; a fastening 
Know, a. v. (no) to understand, 

to be informed 
Lack, s. want, need, failure 
Lair, s. the hiding-place of a 

wild beast 



Lake, s. a large piece of water 
Lance, 5. a long spear 
Lance, a. v. to pierce, to cut 
Lank, a. lean ; loose ; slender 
Lap, a. v. to wrap, to twist 
Lapse, n. v. to slip ; to fall 

away by degrees 
Large, a. big ; wide ; plentiful 
Lash, s. the point of a whip ; 

a sharp stroke 
Last, a. latest, hindmost 
Last, n. v. to endure, to con- 
tinue 
Late, a. slow, behindhand 
Lathe, s. a machine for turning 
Laud, a. v. to praise ; to glorify 
Lave, a. v. to wash, to bathe 
Launch, a. v. to force a ship 

into the sea 
Launch, n. v. to enter into 
some large concern 




A Laib, is a spot to 
which wild beasts re- 
pair for quiet and re- 
tire, and for rearing 
tneir young. The 
Lioness selects a spot 
the most private, and 
difficult of access. She 
is so fond of her 
young, and so afraid 
lest her retreat should 
be found out, that she tries to hide her track by brushing the ground 
over with her tail. Should she be disturbed while with them, she 
will carry them to some other place in her mouth, and will defend 
them to the last moment. 

The Lion is seldom to be found in his lair, unless feeble from age, 
or when gorged with food, or when the sun is powerful. At such 
seasons he usually sleeps ; it is rather difficult to awaken him, and 
when he awakes suddenly, he often loses his wonted presence of 
mind. The Bushmen of Africa seek him at this period, and if they 
find him in an unguarded state, they lodge a poisoned arrow in his 
breast. The moment he is thus struck he springs from his lair, and 
bounds off as helpless as a stricken deer. A few hours after he is 
sure to be found dead. 



WORDS OF ONE SYLLABLE. 



20 



Law, s. a rule of action 
Lead, s. (led) a soft metal 
Lead, a. v. (leed) to guide ; 

to conduct ; to entice 
League, s. (leeg) a union of 

persons, or parties 
League, s. three miles 
Leak, 5. a breach, or hole 

through which water drains 
Lean, n. v. to rest against 
Lean, a. thin ; poor ; low 
Lean, s. the part of flesh dis- 
tinct from the fat 
Leap, s. a bound ; jump ; 

sudden change 
Learn, a. v. to gain knowledge 
Lease, s. (lese) a contract for 

the use of a house or land 

for a certain time 
Lease, n. v. (leze) to glean 



Leave, a. v. to quit, to forsake 
Leave, s. liberty, permission ; 

a farewell 
Lee, s. the point on which 

the wind blows 
Leech, s. a small water ani- 
mal that sucks blood 
Leer, s. an oblique view 
Lees, s. dregs, or sediment 
Lend, a. v. to grant the use 

of for a time 
Length, s. the extent, or dis- 
tance from end to end 
Lens, s. a convex glass 
Let, a. v. to allow, to permit; 

to put to hire 
Lid, 5. a cover that shuts down 
Lie, n. v. knowingly to speak 

that which is not true 
Lie, n. v. to rest lengthways 



A Lie is an untruth : something said with an intention to deceive. 
Some lie in order to cover a fault, and in the hope of escaping, 
punishment. Some lie for the purpose of causing mirth. Others 
lie that those to whom they speak may act diiferently from what 
they would if they knew the real truth. Now a lie is a sin against 
God, and against man. The God of Truth, who cannot lie, has 
solemnly declared, " Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord ; but 
they that deal truly are his delight." And again, " A lying tongue 
is loathsome, and cometh to shame." In the Bible, several instances 
are given in which God has brought to shame and death those who 
have been guilty of lying. 

But great mischief is often done to men by lying : — "As a mad- 
man who casteth firebrands, arrows, and death, so is the man that 
deceiveth his neighbour, and saith, Am I not in sport?" Truth 
between man and man is the great bond of peaceful society. If one 
may tell a lie, so may another ; thus there might be mutual falsehood, 
and then confidence would be exchanged for suspicion, and happi- 
ness for misery. Hence, we should say only that which is true, and 
promise only that which we mean to perform. He who is accus- 
tomed to utter lies, will soon be thought unworthy of credit, even 
should he speak the truth ; and he who does not consider himself 
bound by his promise, can scarcely be called an honest man. As to 
those cases in which we have done wrong, we had better bear re- 
proach, and even punishment, than add to our crime the utterance 
of a wilful lie. 



30 



WORDS OF ONE SYLLABLE. 



Lieu, s. (hi) place, room, stead 
Liege, s. (lege) sovereign, su- 
perior lord 
Life, s. the connexion of soul 

and body ; manner of living 
Lift, a. v. to raise; to hold 

up ; to exalt 
Light, a. (lite) bright ; clear ; 

easy to bear 
Light, a. v. to kindle ; to guide 

by showing a light 
Like, a. resembling ; equal 
Limb, s. (Urn) a hand, or other 

part of a body 
Lime, s. burnt stone 
Limn, a. v. (Urn) to draw, or 

paint any object 
Limp, n, v. to walk lamely 
Line, s. a string; a long mark; 

a limit ; ancestry 



v. to cover on the 
; to strengthen 



Line, a. 
inside 
Link, s. one ring of a chain 
Link, a. v.- to join together 
Lisp, s. an imperfect manner 

of speaking 
List, s. the names of a num- 
ber of things ; a catalogue 
Load, s. a burthen, a loading 
Loaf, s. (lofe) a mass of bread 
Loam, s. (l&me) rich earth 
Loan, s. any thing lent 
Loath, a. unwilling, not ready 
Loathe, a. v. to hate, to abhor 
Lock, a. v. to fasten, or confine 
Lodge, a. v. to put, or live, in 

a place for a time 
Log, s. a large piece of wood 
Loins, s. the lower part of the 
back 



Life is a gift bestowed upon man by his Great Creator, in a 
degree in which it is not bestowed upon other creatures. Man has 
vegetable life, and grows in common with plants. He has animal 
life, and moves from place to place, as do brute beasts. He has also 
rational life, by which he can reason, and apply himself to the dis- 
charge of important duties. Now, for the due care and employ- 
ment of this life, we are all accountable to Him who made us. Our 
bodies are wonderful, but delicate, structures, and we ought never 
wantonly to expose them to danger. We should preserve them, as 
far as possible, in health ; and aim to promote their strength and 
vigour. No one desires sickness or pain: — to avoid these we must 
be cleanly in our persons, and temperate both in eating and drink- 
ing. We should rise early, and use moderate exercise. When we 
are unduly heated, we should avoid sudden exposure to the cold air. 
If we be overtaken by rain, and get wetted, we should keep up our 
natural heat by walking briskly, till we are able to change our 
clothes. By such care and attention, life may be preserved, and 
even greatly prolonged. 

As to our rational life, our duty is to improve our minds by all 
the means in our power. By reading ; by thinking ; by noticing 
what passes around us ; and by conversing with our parents, and 
those who are able and willing to give us information. We must 
consider the great end for which life is given, and apply all our 
powers of body and mind to the cheerful and diligent performance 
of our duty towards God and towards man. 






WORDS OF ONE SYLLABLE. 



31 



Lone, a. single ; solitary 
Look v. to search for, to 

seek ; to behold 
Look, s. an appearance 
Loom, s. the frame in which 

cloth or silk is woven 
Loose, a. untied ; at liberty- 
Lord, s. the Divine Being 
Lord, s. a title of rank, a go- 
vernor, a ruler 
Lose, v. (looz) to suffer loss ; 

to decline ; to fall 
Lot, s. a chance, a portion 
Love, s. (luv) kindness ; af- 
fection ; good will 
Low, a. (16) down ; cheap ; 

mean ; humble 
Lull, a. v. to compose to sleep 
Lungs, s. the organs of breath- 
ing ; the lights 
Lure, s. an enticement 



Lurk, n. v. to He hidden 
Lust, n. v. to desire strongly 
Lute, s. a musical instrument 

with strings 
Lyre, s. a sort of harp 
Mace, s. a badge of authority 
Mace, s. a kind of spice 
Mad, a. disordered in mind 
Mail, s. a dress of steel 
Maim, a. v. to cripple, to in- 
jure ; to cause lameness 
Main, s. the bulk, the chief 

part ; the whole 
Maize, 5. Indian corn 
Make, s. form, shape 
Mane, s. the loose hair on the 

neck of an animal 
Mar, a. v. to injure, or damage 
March, s. a movement ; jour- 
ney of soldiers 
Mark, s. a sign, a token 



The Lyre Bird is a beautiful crea- 
ture. It belongs to the class generally 
called, Birds of Paradise ; and is some- 
times called the Mountain Pheasant, and 
also, the Superb Menura. It is found 
in New Holland, chiefly in the hilly 
parts of the country. It is about the 
size of a pheasant ; and the tail of the 
male bird, which is much longer than 
the body, consists of feathers of different 
sorts, so placed as to form, when they 
are lifted up, a figure shaped very like 
an ancient lyre, or harp* It is a shy 
bird, occasionally perching upon trees, 
but for the most part found on the 
ground; having strong legs, and toes 
armed with powerful blunted nails, for 
the purpose of scratching up the ground 
for food, very much in the manner of 
our domestic poultry. In distinction from all other birds of that 
class, it sings with a melodious note, and can easily imitate the 
notes of other birds. A fine specimen of this curious and beautiful 
bird may be seen in the Museum of the Zoological Society in 
Regent's Park. 




32 



WORDS OP ONE SYLLABLE. 



Mark, a. v. to take notice 
Marl, s. a sort of clay [ness 
Mart, 5. a public place for busi- 
Masli, s. a mixture 
Mask, s. a cover for the face 
Mass, s. a body, a lump 
Mast, 5. the upright beam of 
a ship, or boat, to which 
the sails are fixed 
Match, a. v. to suit, to agree 

with ; to marry 
Mate, 5. a companion 
Maze, a. v. to confuse, to per- 
plex ; to puzzle 
Mead, s. drink made of wa- 
ter and honey 
Mean, a. low, base, paltry 
Mean, s. a middle state ; me- 
dium ; interval 



Mean, a. v. to intend, to pur- 
pose ; to understand 

Meet, a. v. to come together 

Meet, a. fit, suitable 

Melt, a. v. to dissolve ; to 
soften ; to waste away 

Mesh, s. space between the 
threads of a net 

Mess, 5. a dish of meat ; various 
sorts of food 

Mien, s. (meen) look, appear- 
ance ; manner 

Might, s. power, strength, 
utmost force 

Milch, a. giving milk 

Mild, a. kind, soft, gentle 

Mill, s. a machine for grinding 

Mind, s. thought ; opinion ; 
inclination 




A Mill is a machine 
for grinding corn, or 
other hard substances. 
In the first ages, such 
articles were pounded in 
a mortar with a pestle. 
The mortar consisted of 
a large stone, or block 
of wood hollowed out, 
and the pestle of a piece 
of the same material 
shaped into a suitable 
form. This plan of pounding was succeeded by mills. Some were 
hand mills, in which the grain was placed between stones, the upper 
stone being passed over it again and again, till it was ground fine 
enough for use. This office was performed by slaves, or inferior 
servants, and very often by females, as we read in the Bible. The 
larger mills were turned by oxen or other animals. These consisted 
of a large solid block or mass of stone placed on the floor, and ano- 
ther circular stone set on its edge, and turned round by a pole or 
beam fixed in the centre. The engraving here given represents a 
mill used for the purpose of grinding lime, to be made into mortar. 
Machines very similar to this are still used in this country for 
reducing alabaster, limestone, flints, and other hard substances, into 
powder. Where greater power is required, the machine is turned 
by wind, by a current of water, or by steam. 



WORDS OF ONE SYLLABLE. 



as 



Mind, a. v. to mark, to attend 
Mine, s. a deep place in the 
Mint, s. a sweet herb [earth 
Mint, 5. a place where money 

is coined 
Mirth, s. joy, glee, gaiety 
Miss, v. to fail ; to mistake ; 

to lose 
Mist, s. a thin cloud, a vapour 
Mite, s. a very small quantity 
Mix, a. v. to join ; to mingle 
Moan, n. v. to grieve ; to lament 
Moat, s. a ditch 
Mock, a. v. to laugh at; to 

insult; to deride; tomimick 
Mock, a. counterfeit, not real 
Mode, s. form, manner, fashion 
Moist, a. slightly wet, damp 
Mole, 5. a small animal 
Mood, s. state of mind 



Moor, s. a tract of low watery 

ground ; a marsh 
Moor, a. v. to fasten a ship 
Mope, n. v. to be stupid, 

drowsy, or inactive 
Morse, s. a sea-horse 
Moss, s. a dwarfish plant 
Move, a. v. to put in motion 
Mould, 5. ground in which 

plants are grown 
Mould, s. the place in which 
anything is shaped [thers 
Moult, n. v. to change the fea- 
Mound, s. a bank of earth 
Mount, n. v. to rise up high 
Mount, a. v. to climb, to as- 
cend ; to decorate 
Mourn, n. v. to grieve, to be 

sorrowful 
Mouse, s. a small animal 




The Mouse is a small, 
well-known animal, found 
in dwelling-houses, and 
especially in places where 
corn is kept. The cut here 
given represents the Jer- 
boa, or Syrian mouse, 
which is supposed to be 
the animal spoken of in 
Scripture under that 
name. It is about the 
size of a rat. The head is large ; the eye full ; the ears spread and 
open, denoting that the sense of hearing is acute, and giving the 
head a resemblance to that of the rabbit. The fore limbs are so 
short as to be scarcely visible, while the hinder limbs are of great 
length and comparative vigour. — The Jerboa is found chiefly in 
Egypt, Syria, and the North of Africa, where it lives in burrows, 
or nests made in the sand hills, or among ruins. Its speed is 
great; but it makes its way, not by running, but by bounding 
along upon its hinder limbs, leaping several feet at a time, just touch- 
ing the ground with its forepaws, and then rising from its hind 
limbs again so rapidly, as to appear almost as if flying. As these 
animals feed entirely upon vegetable produce, and as they multiply 
very fast, the havock they make of the fruits of the earth is some- 
times great and alarming. 



34 



WORDS OF ONE SYLLABLE. 



Mouth, s. an opening into any- 
place ; part of the head 

Mouth, a. v. (mowthe) to speak 
in an affected voice 

Mow, a. v. to cut down quickly 

Muff, s. a soft cover for the 
hands in winter 

Mulct, a. v. (mulkt) to inflict 
a fine, or forfeit 

Mule, s. an animal resembling 
both the horse and the ass 

Muse, n. v . to study in silence ; 
to wonder, to be amazed 

Musk, s. a strong perfume 

Mute, a. silent ; dumb 

Nail, s. an iron spike 

Name, s. a title ; that by which 
a person or thing is known 

Naught, a. (nawt) bad, worth- 
less ; corrupt 

Neap, a. low, descending 



Neat, a. elegant, clean, tidy 
Need, s. necessity, want 
Nerves, s. parts of the body 

which feel, or have sense 
Nest, s. a bird's dwelling 
News, s. fresh intelligence 
Niche, s. (jivtcK) a hollow 

place in a wall 
Nice, a. exact, neat, fine 
Node, s. a knob, or swelling 
Noise, s. an outcry, a sound 
Nook, s. a corner 
Noon, s. mid-day 
Noose, s. a loose slip-knot 
Note, 5. a mark, or sign ; a 

short letter 
Null, a. of no force, void 
Numb, a. chill ; torpid 
Nymph, s. (nimf) a young fe- 
male 
Oak, s. a timber tree 




-***#** 



Nest. — While men 
constantly make im- 
provements in the art of 
building, birds build 
their nests just as they 
did centuries ago. And 
their nests are so suited 
to their habits and modes 
of living, that it is im- 
possible to conceive how 
any alteration for the 
better could be made in 
them. The most curi- 



ously constructed nests are those of the Sociable Grosbeak, of South 
Africa. These birds live together in great numbers ; and their nests 
are built round the trunk of a tree, so as to resemble the thatched 
roof of a circular building. They are formed of grass, woven toge- 
ther so closely as to keep out the rain, while their slanting position 
causes the rain water to run off quickly. Beneath this roof each 
bird builds its nest, which is three or four inches wide ; but as they 
join each other closely, they appear to form but one building. The 
nests can only be distinguished by a little outer opening, which 
serves as an entrance. One of these clusters of nests, on being 
examined, was found to contain three hundred inhabited cells. 



WORDS OF ONE SYLLABLE. 



35 



Oar, s. a long pole by which 

men force a boat along 
Oath, s. a solemn promise, or 

declaration 
Odd, a. uneven; unusual 
Oil, s. liquid fat 
Once, ad. at one time 
Ounce, 5. part of a pound 
Own, v. to possess, to claim, 

to confess 
Ox, s. the general name for 

black cattle 
Pace, s. a step ; mode of 

walking 
Pack, s. a parcel, or bundle 
Page, 5. one side of the leaf 

of a book ; an attendant 
Pain, s. an uneasy feeling ; a 

penalty ; a punishment 
Pale, a. faintly coloured ; dim 



Pall, s. (pawl) a mantle, or 

covering 
Pall, n. v. to become tasteless 
Palm, 5. a tree 
Pane, s. a square of glass 
Pang, s. an extreme pain 
Pant, n. v. to breathe short ; 

to long for 
Parch, a. v. to burn slightly 
Park, s. a pleasure ground 
Part, a. v. to divide, to sever 
Pass, s. a narrow road 
Paste, s. a sticky mixture 
Path, s. a way, or road 
Pate, s. the head 
Pause, n. v. to wait, to stop 
Paw, s. a beast's foot 
Pawn, a. v. to pledge 
Pay, a. v. to discharge a debt; 

to give wages 




The Musk Ox is a native 
of the colder parts of North 
America. In size it is smaller 
than the common Ox, though, 
having a quantity of long, 
woolly hair, which hangs 
almost to the ground, it ap- 
pears much larger. The ge- 
neral colour is a dull brown. — 
The Musk Ox frequents wild 
and rocky situations, and feeds 
on grass during one season of 
the year, and on moss during the other. Though its limbs are short, 
it is fleet and active. One which was pursued on the banks of the 
river Coppermine, scaled a lofty sand cliff so steep, that the hunters 
were obliged to crawl up it on their hands and knees. — Near the 
fall of the year these animals assemble in herds, and are then much 
harrassed by the hunters. But the pursuit is not without danger, 
for the males are soon made angry, and if they be wounded will 
dart with fury upon the hunters, who find it difficult to escape. If, 
however, the hunters remain concealed when they fire upon a herd, 
the poor animals mistake the noise for thunder, and crowd nearer 
and nearer to each other as their companions fall around them. 
When they discover their enemies by sight, or by sense of smell, 
the whole herd seeks safety by instant flight. 



36 



WORDS OF ONE SYLLABLE. 



Peace, s. rest ; quiet; silence 
Peak, s. the point of a hill 
Peal, s. a succession of loud 

sounds 
Pearl, 5. (purl) a gem pro- 
duced in the shell of an 
oyster 
Peel, s. the skin, or rind 
Peep, n. v. to look slily 
Peer, s. an equal ; a nobleman 
Pen, s. a fold, or cage ; an in- 
strument for writing 
Phlegm, s. (flem) a watery 

humour 
Pied, a. of various colours 
Pier, s. (peer) the support of 

a bridge ; a landing-place 
Pierce, a. v. to bore through 
Pike, s. a spear ; a large fish 
Pile, a. v. to heap up [press 
Pinch, a. v. to squeeze ; to op- 



Pine, s. a kind of fir-tree 
Pine, n. v. to grieve ; to wear 

away 
Pipe, s. a hollow tube ; a flute 
Pique, s. (peek) an offence 

taken 
Pitch, v. to fix ; to plant ; to 

throw headlong 
Pith, s. marrow ; strength 
Place, 5. office ; residence 
Plague, s. disease ; trouble 
Plaid, s. (plad) striped cloth 
Plain, a. smooth, flat ; open, 

sincere 
Plaint, s. complaint 
Plait, a. v. to fold ; to weave 
Plan, s. a scheme, or outline 
Plane, s. a level 
Plank, s. a thick board 
Play, s. sport, frolic, pleasure 
Plea, s. an excuse 



The Plane Tree is a native 
of the most western parts of Asia, 
where it forms one of the noblest 
objects in the vegetable kingdom. 
When planted in rich and moist 
ground, its huge branches spread 
out in all directions from the 
massive trunk, and are covered 
with broad, handsome, glossy 
leaves. The stem is tall and 
erect, covered with a smooth 
bark, which falls off every year. 
It also bears very small flowers, 
which make their appearance a 
little before the leaf. The wood 
is of a hard and fine grain, though 
rather brittle : when old it has 
dark veins, and when cut, nearly 
resembles walnut-wood. 

The Plane is said to be the 
tree which best keeps out the 
rays of the sun in summer, and 
most readily admits them in winter. For this reason it has often 
been planted near large buildings and palaces, and in public walks 




WORDS OE ONE SYLLABLE. 



37 



Plead, v. to argue ; to excuse ; 

to defend a cause 
Please, v. to give pleasure, 

to indulge ; to choose 
Pledge, v. to give security 
Plight, 5. (plite) state ; condi- 
tion ; pledge 
Plinth, s. foundation of a pillar 
Plot, s. a small piece ; a scheme 
Plough, s. (plow) an instru- 
ment for cutting the ground 
to receive seed 
Pluck, a. v. to strip; to pull 
Plume, 5. a bunch of feathers 
Plump, a. fleshy, sleek 
Plunge, a. v. to put into any 

liquid suddenly 
Plunge, n. v. to sink sud- 
denly ; to dive 
Ply, a. v. to work closely 
Poach, n. v. to trespass ; to 
steal slily 



Point, s. a sharp end ; an aim 
Point, n. v. to mark ; to dis- 
tinguish 
Poise, s. balance, level weight 
Poll, s. the head ; a list of 

voters 
Pomp, s. grandeur ; pride 
Pool, s. standing water 
Poor, a. low, lean, spiritless ; 

needy ; of little value 
Porch, s. a covered entrance 
Port, s. a place of safety for 

ships ; a harbour 
Pouch, s. a small bag 
Pounce, v. to pierce ; to seize 
Pound, a. v. to beat, or grind 
Pound, s. a certain weight 
Pour, n. v. to flow rapidly 
Pout, n. v. to look sulky 
Praise, s. commendation; fame 
Prance, n. v. to spring and 
move about in high spirits 



and places of exercise. Pliny, who lived more than eighteen hun- 
dred years ago, mentions a plane tree in Lycia, in the trunk of 
which had been formed by degress, a large cavern which measured 
eighty feet round. He also states that one of the governors, with 
eighteen other persons, often dined and supped comfortably in it. 
While he and his company were sitting safe and dry within, the 
noise of the rain, pattering on the leaves overhead, became agree- 
able music to them. History tells of another, the hollow of which 
served for an Emperor, with fifteen of his friends, to sit comfortably 
to dinner, at the same time allowing room for their attendants to 
wait upon them. The Emperor used to call it his nest. — In Eastern 
countries the Plane seems to have been considered sacred, as the Oak 
was formerly in Britain. One modern traveller describes a most 
noble grove of these trees which adorn the plain of Antioch ; and 
another records that he enjoyed a night's rest under plane trees of 
great beauty in the valley of Lebanon. 

The Plane is cultivated in this country, and grows to a fine tree, 
though not to the very large size which it attains in the East. It is 
said to have been first introduced into England by the great Lord 
Bacon, who planted some at his country seat at Verulam, which 
were in a flourishing state more than a century after his death. 

c 2 



38 



WORDS OF ONE SYLLABLE. 



Prank, s. a wild frolic 

Pray, a. v. to ask ; to entreat 

Preach, n. v. to teach ; to 

proclaim 
Prey, s. to rob ; to waste 
Price, s. cost ; value 
Pride, s. self-esteem, conceit ; 

dignity ; ornament 
Priest, s. a clergyman 
Prime, a. early, original; chief, 

excellent 
Prince, s. a ruler ; the son of 

a king ; a chief 
Print, a. v. to mark, to impress 
Prize, a. v. to value ; to esteem 
Prize, 5. a reward 
Prompt, a. quick; ready 
Probe, a. v. to search, to try 
Prose, s. language not in verse 
Proud, a. conceited ; haughty 



Prove, a. v. to show by argu- 
ment ; to confirm 
Prove, n. v. to make trial 
Prow, s. the forepart of a ship 
Prowl, n. v. to wander for prey 
Prune, a. v. to trim, to lop off 
Psalm, s. {saam) a holy song 
Puff, a. v. to swell, or blow 
Pulp, 5. a soft substance 
Pump, s. an instrument for 

drawing up water 
Pure, a. clean, unmixed 
Purge, a. v. to cleanse, to 

make pure 
Purse, s. a bag to hold money 
Quack, s. a vain pretender 
Quaff, a. v. to drink largely 
Quake, n. v. to shake, to 

tremble 
Quail, s. a bird of game 



"^4 




The Quail is a bird about 
the size and shape of a partridge. 
It is found in amazing quanti- 
ties on the shores of the Red 
Sea, in the wilderness of Pales- 
tine, and in the deserts of Arabia 
Petrea. Quails often remove 
in very large flocks from place 
to place ; and in their passage 
across the sea, to and from 
Africa, more than a hundred 
thousand have been killed at one 
time. Some are eaten while fresh, the rest are salted and dried for 
future use. They are easily caught. In the North of Persia, the 
men stick two poles in their girdles, and dress them up so as to look, 
at a distance, like the horns of an animal. They then crawl about 
the fields with a hand net ; and the quail, supposing them to be 
beasts, allows the men to come near enough to throw the net over it. 
We read in the Bible that when the Jews, in their passage through 
the wilderness, clamoured to have flesh to eat, God caused a strong 
wind to drive quails in very large quantities about the camp ; and 
thus, by a miracle, provided more than a million persons with food 
for some weeks. God, however, was greatly displeased with the 
Jews on that occasion, because of their impatience and ingratitude, 
and destroyed thousands of them by means of a sore plague. 



WORDS OF ONE SYLLABLE. 



39 



Quaint, a. neat, smart ; odd 
Qualm, s. a sudden, sickly 

feeling 
Quash, a. v. to crush, to 

squeeze ; to make void 
Quay, s. (ke) a key ; a wharf 
Queen, s. the wife of a king ; 

a female sovereign 
Quell, a. v. to crush, to subdue 
Quench, a. v. to put out 
Quest, s. search, enquiry 
Quick, a. living ; nimble, ac- 
tive, sprightly 
Quill, s. a strong feather 
Quire, s. twenty-four sheets 

of paper 
Quit, a. v. to leave, to forsake ; 

to discharge a debt 
Quote, a. v. to mention the 

words of another 
Race, 5. a trial of running 



s. progress, course 

s. an instrument of tor- 



to 



Race 
Rack 

ture ; a wooden grate 
Rack, a. v. to torment, 

stretch 
Raft, s. a frame of wood 
Rage, s. violent anger 
Rail, s. a slight fence 
Rail, n. v. to speak against 
Rain, s. water from the clouds 
Rain, n. v. to fall in drops 
Raise, a. v. to lift ; to exalt ; 

to excite 
Ram, s. a male sheep 
Range, a. v. to place in order 
Range, n. v. to rove, to ramble 
Rank, a. high, coarse, gross 
Rank, s. a line, row, class 
Rare, a. scarce, excellent 
Rase, a. v. to overthrow, to 
destroy 



Foot Races were in great repute amongst the ancient Greeks. 
They were designed to confirm the health of their youth ; to inure 
them to fatigue; and to improve their strength, vigour, and activity. 
The persons who were designed to take part in these races, were put 
into training under experienced masters, for about twelve months. 
Strict rules were laid down for the whole of their conduct. Their 
food was simple, being chiefly dried figs, nuts, soft cheese, and coarse 
heavy bread. They were forbidden the use of wine and strong 
drink. They were required to rise early, to take suitable exercise, 
and to avoid everything which might injure their health or strength. 
When the time for the races arrived, they were carefully examined, 
to see if all the rules had been complied with. They had then to 
lay aside such parts of their clothes as might entangle them, or in 
any way hinder their course. 

The place in which the racers ran was about six hundred feet in 
length, and was hence called, the Stadium. On each side was a 
large gallery, in which was seated a great multitude of spectators, 
who crowded from all parts of the country. The path which the 
racers were to keep was marked out by white lines or posts ; and 
he who did not keep to those lines, or who took any unfair advan- 
tage, lost the prize, even though he were the first to reach the goal. 
The reward, which was a garland of leaves, was placed full in sight 
of the racers ; and they were encouraged to exert themselves to the 
very utmost, by the cheers and shouts of the thousands who were 



40 



WORDS OF ONE SYLLABLE. 



Rash, a. hasty, thoughtless 
Hasp, s. a rough file 
Ray, s. a streak of light 
Reach, a. v. to touch by stretch- 
ing out the arm ; to arrive at 
Realm, s. (relm) a kingdom 
Reap, a. v. to cut down corn ; 

to gather, to collect 
Rear, s. the hinder part 
Rear, a. v. to raise, or bring up 
Reed, s. a plant ; a small pipe 
Reek, s. smoke, vapour, steam 
Reel, s. a round frame 
Reel, n. v. to stagger 
Rein, s. part of a bridle 
Reign, n. v. (rain) to govern; 

to prevail 
Rhyme, s. (rime) an agreement 

of sound ; poetry 
Rich, a. having much proper- 
ty ; valuable ; fruitful 



Rid, a. v. to set free ; to clear 
Ride, n. v. to be carried to 

any place 
Ridge, s. the rough top of 

any thing 
Rife, a. common ; prevalent 
Right, a. (rite) fit, proper, just 
Right, 5. power, privilege 
Rind, s. bark, husk, peel 
Ring, s. a circle ; an ornament 
Ring, n. v. to strike a bell 
Rinse, a. v. to wash slightly 
Ripe, a. fit for use ; mature 
Rise, n. v. to move upwards 
Risk, s. hazard, danger 
Road, s. a broad path 
Roam, n. v. to wander, to 

ramble, to rove 
Roar, s. a loud noise 
Roast, a. v. to dress meat be- 
fore the fire 



looking upon them. When the judges had determined who was 
the winner, his name was proclaimed by the herald; the crown of 
leaves was placed upon his head ; and he was conducted along the 
line in triumph, amidst the repeated applauses of the delighted 
multitudes. 




Human life, including the careful performance of all its duties, is 
often compared to a race. Happy are those who so run this race, 
as to receive from the hands of the Supreme Judge the crown of 
eternal life ! 



WORDS OF ONE SYLLABLE. 



41 



Robe, 5. a long dress 
Rock, s. a mass of stone 
Rock, v. to shake to and fro 
Roe, s. a kind of deer ; the 

eggs of fish 
Roof, 5. the cover of a building 
Rook, 5. a large black bird 
Room, s. space ; part of a 

house 
Rove, n.v. to ramble, to wander 
Rough, a. (ruf) uneven ; vio- 
lent ; harsh 
Round, s. a circle, a revolution 
Rouse, a. v. to excite, to stir up 
Rout, a. v, to defeat, to con- 
fuse, to disperse 
Route, s. (root) road, way- 
Row, s. (ro) things ranged in 

a line ; a rank 
Rude, a. rough, coarse ; un- 
civil ; untaught 



Rue, a. v. (rod) to regret ; to 

lament 
Rue, s. a medicinal herb 
Rule, s. a law ; command 
Rush, n. ?;. to move with vio- 
lence [metal 
Rust, s. the decayed part of 
Ruth, s. pity, tenderness 
Sack, s. a large bag 
Sack, a, v. to pillage, plunder 
Sad, a. sorrowful ; gloomy- 
Safe, a. secure, free from harm 
Sage, a. wise ; grave 
Sail, s. a broad sheet to catch 

the wind 
Saint, s. a holy person 
Salve, s.(saave) an ointment ; 

a remedy 
Sane, a. sound in mind 
Sash, 5. an ornamental belt ; 
part of a window 




Rocks abound in Palestine, and form a principal part of its de- 
fence. The inhabitants retire to them in times of danger, and find 
a refuge in any sudden breaking in of their enemies. The southern 
portion of Judea is full of caverns cut in the mountains ; and whole 
villages are formed in the rocks. Hollow rocks are also the haunts 
of thieves and of robbers, who suddenly rush forth from them on 
the unsuspecting traveller. — Many of these rocks are barren, rugged, 
and gloomy. Others are covered in places with as much earth as 
fits them for cultivation. In such cases, the cedar, the fir, and the 
oak, the fig and the vine, adorn the crags, and present a picture of 
grandeur, of cheerfulness, and of beauty. 



42 



WORDS OF ONE SYLLABLE. 



Save, a, v. to preserve 
Sauce, s. gravy, seasoning 
Scale, s. a balance ; a measure 
Scale, a. v. to climb by ladders 
Scalp, s. the skull and skin of 

the head 
Scan, a. v. to examine closely 
Scar, 5. the mark of a wound 
Scarf, s. a loose shawl 
Scare, a. v. to frighten 
Scene, s. (seen) a view, prospect 
Scent, s. (sent) smell ; odour 
Scheme, s. a plan, contrivance 
School, s. a place of instruction 
Scoff, s. a taunt, a jeer 
Scold, a. v. to chide ; to re- 
prove sharply 
Scoop, a. v. to cut or take out 
Scope, s. aim, intention 
Scorch, a. v. to burn slightly 
Score, s. a mark : a debt 



Scorn, s. contempt, disdain 
Scourge, a. v. to lash, to beat; 

to punish 
Scowl, n. v. to look angry 
Scratch, a. v. to tear slightly 
Scrawl, s. awkward writing 
Scream, n. v. to cry out 

with a shrill voice 
Screen, s. a shelter 
Screen, a. v. to conceal 
Screw, a. v. to twist forcibly 
Scroll, s. a roll of writing 
Scum, s. dross, refuse* 
Seal, s. a stamp ; a sea calf 
Seal, a. v. to fasten ; to con- 
firm ; to close 
Seam, s. a joint, a mark 
Sear, a. v. to burn, to dry up 
Sear, a. dry ; faded 
Search, a. v. to examine, to 
inquire 



A Rock is at once a refuge, a shelter, and a shade. There, those 
who are pursued by foes may hide ; those who are threatened by a 
storm may escape from its fury ; and the weary traveller, over a 
dry and barren desert, may sit himself down, and at once find shelter 
and refreshment. Especially, as it sometimes happens, when a 
cooling stream gushes forth from the sides of the rock, or from its 
base. And the shade which is afforded by a rock, is not merely 
like that of a tree, through which the rain may beat, or the sun 
pierce ; but one which casts itself over a large portion of ground, so 
that a goodly company may share the benefit. This is the case in 
Eastern countries, as many travellers have testified. After riding 
on horses or camels for miles, over barren sands, beneath the rays of 
a" scorching sun, how delighted must they be to come to some rock, 
under whose ample shade they and their cattle may repose for a 
season, partake of their simple food, drink from the cooling water 
brook, and then pursue their journey with strength and spirits 
renewed. — When the prophet Isaiah would describe a righteous and 
merciful king, — one under whose sway his subjects might be truly 
safe and happy, — he says, — " He shall be as a hiding-place from 
the wind, and a covert from the tempest ; as rivers of water in a 
dry place, as the shadow of a great rock in a weary land." The name 
of rock is also given to God, because He is the strength, the refuge, 
and defence of the righteous, as rocks were to those who resided 
among them. 



WORDS OF ONE SYLLABLE. 



43 



Search, s. examination, inquiry 
Sect, s. a party, or body 
Seek, n, v. to look for, or search 
Seem, n. v. to appear 
Seize, a. v. to grasp with force 
Sense, 5. feeling ; meaning 
Serve, a. v. to attend, to wait 

upon 
Set, a. v. to place, to put 
Set, a. regular, according to 

rule ; fixed 
Shade, 5. a shelter, a shadow 
Shaft, s. an arrow ; any thing 

straight 
Shag, s. rough woolly hair 
Shake, a. v. to move quickly 
Shame, 5. a feeling of disgrace 
Shape, s. form, appearance 
Share, s. a part, a lot 
Shark, s. a rapacious fish 



Sheaf, s. a bundle of corn 
Shear, a. v. to cut or clip 
Sheath, s. a case, covering 
Shed, a. v. to pour out 
Sheer, a. pure, unmixed 
Shield, 5. a defence 
Shift, n. v. to change, to alter 
Ship, s. a large vessel made to 

swim on the water 
Shire, s. a county 
Shoal, s. a sand bank ; a crowd 
Shock, s. a mutual blow 
Shock, a. v. to shake roughly ; 

to offend 
Shoe, s. a covering for the foot 
Shoot, v. to dart forth ; to 

grow ; to start 
Shore, s. the sea-coast ; a prop 
Shout, s. the noise of joy or 

triumph 




The Seal, or Sea Calf, 
lives chiefly in the sea ; 
visiting the land only to 
bask in the sun, and to 
nurse its young. Its 
usual length is from five 
to six feet. It has a 
smooth head without 
external ears ; its fore 
legs are deeply sunk in 
the skin of its body, and 
the hind legs are placed 
in such a manner as to point directly backwards ; it is covered with 
short hair very closely set together ; and its whole form and pro- 
perties render it a most excellent swimmer and diver. Its common 
food is fish, which it eats beneath the water. Seals are most plen- 
tiful in the Southern Pacific ; they are common also on the rocky 
shores of this country. The largest and handsomest sort is the 
Greenland Seal, which forms the natural and chief wealth of the 
Greenlander. The flesh he uses for his ordinary food ; the oil sup- 
plies his lamp during the long and dark winter of those regions ; 
the skin furnishes materials for clothing, and for the covering of 
boats and houses ; and both the skin and the oil are profitable 
articles of trade with the ships which visit his shores. In England 
the skin is found valuable for caps, muffs, tippets, and other articles. 



44 



WORDS OF ONE SYLLABLE. 



Shred, s. a small piece 
Shrewd, a. cunning ; cautious 
Shrine, 5. a case containing 

something sacred 
Shrink, n.v. to shrivel, to fall 

back as from danger 
Shroud, s. a burial cloth 



Shroud, n. v. to shelter, 



to 



cover, to conceal 
Sieve, s. (siv) a sifter 
Sigh, s. (si) a deep sob 
Sign, s. (sine) a mark, token, 

proof; a picture 
Sing, n. v. to utter sweet 

sounds ; to chant 
Singe, a. v. to burn slightly 
Sink, n. v. to fall by degrees 
Site, s. situation ; posture 
Size, s. bigness, measure 
Skill, s. experience, ability 
Skirt, s. the edge, or border 



Sky, s. the firmament 
Slab, s. a flat piece of stone 
Slake, a. v. to quench ; to 

extinguish 
Slave, s. a bond-servant 
Sledge, s. a carriage without 

wheels 
Sleek, a. smooth, glossy 
Sleep, s. rest, repose 
Sleet, s. frozen rain 
Sleight, s. an artful trick 
Slice, s. a flat piece 
Slide, n. v. to move smoothly 
Slight, a. small, trifling 
Slight, a. v. to neglect 
Sling, 5. a loose strap for throw- 
ing stones 
Slip, n. v. to slide ; to escape 
Slip, 5. a false step, an error 
Slope, s. a descent 
Sloth, s. idleness, slowness 



A Slave is a servant held in bondage, as the property of another. 
Formerly, among the Hebrews and the neighbouring nations, the 
greater part of the servants were slaves. They belonged entirely to 
their masters, who claimed a right to dispose of their persons, their 
property, and, in some cases, even of their lives. There were two 
sorts of servants, or slaves, among the Hebrews. Some were natives 
of other countries, who were either bought, or taken captive in war. 
The others were Hebrew slaves, — persons who, being poor, sold 
themselves, or were sold by others, to pay debts ; or children, who 
were given up for slaves by their parents, in cases of want or trou- 
ble. These Hebrew slaves continued in slavery only to a certain 
period, called the year of the Jubilee : at that period they might 
return to liberty again, and their masters could not keep them longer, 
unless they themselves chose to remain slaves. Those who gave up 
their right to be free had to do so before a judge ; and they could 
not recover their liberty till the return of the year of Jubilee. It 
appears from the Bible, that in most cases slaves were well treated, 
were frequently placed in offices of great trust, and were some- 
times regarded as a part of the family. In modern times, slaves have 
been treated with the greatest cruelty. The voice of Christian bene- 
volence has, however, been lifted up in their behalf; and there is 
reason to hope that the oppressive system will soon come to an end 
for ever. ^ 

The most striking and important passage in the history of Joseph, 
as recorded in the book of Genesis, is that of his being sold as a 



WORDS OF ONE SYLLABLE. 



45 



Slough, s. (slou) deep mud 
Sluice, 5. a vent for water 
Slur, a. v. to soil ; to cheat 
Sly, a. meanly artful 
Smack, s. a small ship 
Smart, a. v. to feel pain 
Smart, a. sharp ; lively ; witty 
Smear, n. v. to soil, to bedaub 
Smith, s. a worker in metals 
Smooth, a. even ; mild 
Snare, s. a trap ; a net 
Snatch, a. v. to seize hastily 
Sneak, n. v. to creep slily 
Sneer, s. a scornful expression 

or look ; a jeer 
Snow, s. frozen rain 
Snug, a. close ; comfortable 
Soak, a. v. to steep, to drench 
Soar, n. v. to fly high 
Sole, a. single, only 
Solve, a. v. to explain ; to clear 



Soot, s. (sut) embodied smoke 
Soothe, a. v. to calm ; to soften 
Sore, a. tender and painful 
Sort, a. v. to separate ; to 

choose ; to arrange 
Sot, s. a drunkard 
Soul, s. the immortal part of 

man; spirit; essence 
Sound, a. healthy, right ; 

hearty ; free from disease 
Sound, a. v. to measure depth 
Sound, 11. v. to make a noise 
Sour, a. sharp ; peevish 
Source, s. spring ; first cause 
Sow, a. v. to scatter seed 
Space, s. room ; extent ; time 
Span, a. v. to measure 
Spar, s. a small beam 
Spare, a. v. to use cautiously; 

to save ; to grant 
Spare, a. scanty, lean 



slave, and carried into a foreign land. Joseph was a great favourite 
with his father Jacob, who shewed him such marked kindness as to 
cause his brethren to become very jealous of him. They indulged 
in this wicked feeling to such a pitch, that they determined on one 
occasion to sell him to some travelling merchants who were going 
to Egypt. They did so, and then went home and caused their father 
to believe that his beloved son had been destroyed by wild beasts. 




But God took care of Joseph. The merchants sold him again to 
one of the principal officers of the King of Egypt ; and he served 
this master so faithfully that he soon made him steward of his 



46 



WORDS OF ONE SYLLABLE. 



Spark, s. an atom of fire 
Spasm, s. a convulsive pain 
Spawn, s. the eggs offish 
Spear, s. a long sharpened 

pole 
Speech, s. voice ; language 
Speed, s. quickness, haste 
Spell, n. v. to form words 

letters 
Spell, s. a secret charm 
Spend, a. v. to lay out, 

waste 
Sphere, s. a round body- 
Sphinx, s. a monster once 

famous in Egypt 
Spice, a. a vegetable substance 

sweet to the smell and taste 
Spill, a. v. to shed, to lose 
Spine, s. the back-bone 
Spire, s. a steeple 
Spite, s. malice, hate 



of 



to 



Spleen, s. ill humour 
Spoil, n. v. to make useless 
Spoil, a. v. to damage ; to 

ruin, to plunder 
Sponge, s. a soft substance 

full of pores, remarkable for 

sucking up water 
Sport, s. play, diversion 
Spouse, s. a husband or wife 
Spout, s. a water pipe 
Spout, a. v. to shoot out water 
Spray, s. foam of the sea ; a 

slight branch 
Spread, v. to stretch ; to scat- 
ter ; to expand 
Spring, n. v. to grow ; to 

come into life 
Spring, s. the early season of 

the year 
Sprout, s. a shoot of a plant 
Spruce, a. nice ; neat ; smart 



household, and of all that he had. " And the Lord was with Joseph, 
and made all that he did to prosper." Soon after this, Joseph was 
taken into favour by Pharaoh the king, and managed so wisely, that 
he was the means of saving the whole country from famine, in a 
time of great scarcity, which lasted for seven years. 

What was most remarkable was the fact, that, in consequence of 
this general scarcity, his brethren were sent into Egypt to buy corn ; 
and they had to apply for it to Joseph their brother, whom they had, 
years before, sold as a slave. After having tried them severely, in 
a number of ways, he made himself known to them, and sent them 
back to Canaan, to bring their father and their families to live in 
Egypt. They did so, and were kindly received by the king, and 
lived there for many years in riches and in comfort. — Thus God, in 
his wisdom and goodness, caused that which these wicked young 
men intended for harm to Joseph, to work together for his honour — 
for their own good — and for the good of many nations. 



Egypt, a country of Africa, was the most celebrated of ancient 
nations. It was remarkable for the number of its wise me?i—men 
who excelled in knowledge of the principal arts and sciences. It was 
remarkable for its riches. It had a large share in the trade of the East, 
and in times of scarcity it supplied all parts of the world with corn. — It 
was remarkable for its architecture, and at one period could exhibit 
some of the most stupendous fabrics on the face of the globe. —Egypt 



WORDS OF ONE SYLLABLE. 



47 



Spur, s. a sharp point ; an 

incitement 
Spurn, a. v. to kick ; to scorn 
Spy, s. a secret watcher 
Spy, a. v. to see at a distance 
Squall, s. a gust of wind 
Square, a. having equal sides 
Squat, n. v. to sit close to the 

ground 
Squeak, s. a shrill cry 
Squeeze, a. v. to press tightly 
Stack, s. a large pile 
Staff, s. a stick, a prop 
Stage, s. a raised floor ; part 

of a journey 
Stain, s. a blot, a disgrace 
Stake, a. v. to wager, to hazard 
Stale, a. old, long kept 
Stall, s. a crib, or shed 
Stamp, a. v. to strike ; to im- 
press ; to pound 



Stand, v. to endure ; to main- 
tain ; to halt 
Stare, n. v. to look with fixed 

eyes, or with wonder 
Start, n. v. to set out; to begin 
Start, s. a motion of fright 
Starve, n. v. to perish with 

hunger or cold 
State, s. condition ; empire 
State, a. v. to explain, to re- 
present 
Stay, n. v. to continue ; to 

stop ; to rest confidently 
Stay, a. v. to withhold, delay, 

hinder, oppose 
Steak, s. a slice of flesh 
Steal, a. v. to take by theft 
Steam, s. moist vapour 
Steed, s. a handsome horse 
Steel, s. refined iron 
Steep, a. rising high; difficult 



once " sat as a Queen among the Nations." But Egypt was celebrated 
for its wickedness also, and God, the Great Ruler of Nations, deter- 
mined to bring its wisdom, its wealth, and its glory to the dust. His 
prophets declared that Egypt should become " a base nation ;" that 
" the pride of her power should come down ;" and that " the country 
should be desolate of that of which it was once full." — All this has 
taken place ; and ignorance, poverty, slavery, and misery, are seen 
throughout the land ; teaching us that evil-doers are hateful in his 

sight. In Egypt there 
are still remains of its 
former greatness ; and 
among the rest the 
Great Sphinx, as it 
is called, of which a 
representation is here 
given. It stands upon 
the plain of Gizeh, near 
the great Pyramids. 
It is supposed to be a 
monument to the me- 
mory of some king. 
It is formed of solid rock, and is of an astonishing size, from 
the chin to the top of the head alone measuring about twenty-eight 
feet. 




48 



WORDS OF ONE SYLLABLE. 



Steep, a. v. to soak ; to dip 
Steer, s. a young bullock 
Steer, a. v. to guide, to direct 
Stem, s. the stalk ; chief twig 
Stern, s. the hinder part 
Stern, a. severe, harsh 
Stick, n. v. to adhere, to hold 

fast ; to remain firm 
Still, a. quiet, silent, calm 
Sting, a. v. to pierce, or wound 
Stir, a. v. to move, to disturb 
Stir, s. tumult, disturbance 
Stock, s. a stem ; a sum of 

money ; a store of goods 
Stoop, n. v. to bend, to submit 
Stop, a.v.to hinder, to prevent 
Storm, s. a tempest ; a tumult 
Storm, a. v. to attack by force 
Storm, n. v. to rage, to be fu- 
riously angry 
Stout, a. strong, lusty 



Strain, a. v. to squeeze ; to 

tighten ; to purify 
Strait, a, narrow, close 
Strand, s. the part of land 

washed by a sea or river 
Strange, a. uncommon, won- 
derful ; foreign 
Streak, s. a line of colour 
Stream, s. a running water ; 

a constant flow 
Street, s. a way between houses 
Strength, s. power, ability 
Stress, s. force, importance 
Stretch, v. to spread out ; to 

straiten 
Strew, a. v. to scatter loosely 
Strict, a. exact, severe, close 
Strip, a. v. to deprive, to rob 
Strive, n. v. to labour ; to 

contend ; to struggle 
Stroll, n.v. to wander, to ramble 



Stocks are instruments made of wood, for the purpose of punish- 
ing supposed or real offenders by holding them fast by the feet. 
Some were made with holes for the feet only ; others for the feet, 
the hands, and the neck at once. Some allowed the person to move 
about; others, as in the cut here seen, confined both hands and feet, 
and obliged the person to lie on the ground in a painful and dis- 
tressing posture. This last kind is still used in India. 




The Indians have many expressions which refer to this mode of 
confinement. Thus, a man who is placed in great difficulties, says, 
" Alas ! I am now in the stocks." Another says, " I have put my boy 
in the stocks ;" by which he means that he has sent him to school, 
where he will be confined to his studies. If a youth act wildly or 
foolishly, he is told that it is time he had his feet in the stocks ; that 
is, time he was confined to some profitable course of duty. In this 
latter sense, it would be well if all young persons were placed in the 
stocks. That would not be a punishment, but a blessing. 



WORDS OF ONE SYLLABLE. 



49 



Stud, S. set of horses ; orna- 

nament, a sort of button 
Style, s. manner of writing, 

or speaking 
Sue, s. (sw) to beg, to entreat 
Suit, a. v. (sute) to fit, to make 

agreeable ; to adapt 
Suite, s. (swete) a set ; regu- 
lar order ; a train 
Surf, s. a swelling of the sea 
Swain, s. a country youth 
Swamp, s. a marsh, a bog 
Sward, s. the surface of the 

ground 
Swarm, s. a multitude 
Sway, a. v. to rule, to govern 
Swear, v. to affirm on oath 
Sweet, a. sugary, pleasant 
Swell, n. v. to grow bigger 
Swerve, n. v. to depart from 
Swing, n.v. to move to and fro 



Swoon, s. a fainting fit 
Tack, a. v. to turn ; to fasten 
Taint, a. v. to stain, to corrupt 
Tale, s. a story ; a reckoning 
Talk, n. v. to speak, to confer 
Tame, a. gentle ; subdued 
Tart, a. sour, severe 
Task, s. employment, business 
Taste, a. v. to try by the 

mouth ; to eat 
Taunt, a. v. to insult ; to re- 
proach ; to jeer 
Teach, a. v. to instruct, to in- 
form ; to inculcate 
Team, s. a number of horses 

or oxen drawing at once 
Tear, a. v. (tare) to pull in 

pieces, to rend 
Tempt, a.v. to entice, to allure 
Tend, a.v. to watch, to guard 
Tent, s. a moveable dwelling 



The Stork feeds upon 
snakes, frogs, and insects, 
which it seeks for in 
watery places. It has 
therefore long legs, as 
well as a long neck and 
beak. As it has to fly 
away with the food to 
its nest, its bill is jagged, 
and has sharp hooks, 
which enables it to hold 
fast its slippery prey. 
The Stork is remarkable 
for its love to its parents, whom it never forsakes, but tenderly feeds 
when they have become unable to provide for themselves ; thus re- 
paying the friendly care taken of itself before it was able to fly. — 
i The Stork is a bird of passage; and the Scripture saith, " The Stork 
knoweth her appointed time." For about a fortnight before that 
time comes, they are seen to resort to a certain spot once every day, 
where they appear to form themselves into a council, and to fix upon 
the exact time for their departure, and the place of their future abode. 
Thus the Stork reproves, first, those who wickedly neglect their 
parents ; and, secondly, those who do not notice and improve what 
passes around them. 




50 



WORDS OF ONE SYLLABLE. 



Term, s. limit ; condition ; 

agreement; name 
Test, s. trial ; experiment 
Thatch, s. a straw covering 
Thaw, a. v. to melt 
Theft, s. robbery ; thing stolen 
Theme, s. a subject ; task 
Thick, a. close ; muddy 
Think, n. v. to reflect ; to judge 
Thirst, s. ardent desire 
Thong, s. a leathern string 
Thought, s. idea ; opinion 
Thrash, a. v. to beat out corn 
Thread, s. a small line 
Thrift, s. profit, gain 
Thrill, v. to tingle ; to pierce 
Thrive, n. v. to prosper, to 

grow rich 
Throb, n.v. to heave, to beat 
Throne, s. a royal seat 
Throng, s. a crowd, multitude 



Thrust, a. v. to push forwards 
Thwart, a. v. to cross, to oppose 
Till, a. v. to cultivate 
Tier, s. a rank, or row 
Tinge, a. v. to colour 
Tire, a. v. to weary, to fatigue 
Tithe, s. a tenth part 
Toil, s. labour ; drudgery 
Tomb, s. (toom) a monument 

over the dead 
Tone, s. note, or sound 
Tongue, s. (tung) the organ 

of speech 
Torch, s. a light, or taper 
Touch, s. the sense of feeling, 

the act of touching 
Tough, a. (tuff) stiff, not brittle 

or easily broken 
Tour, s. (toor) a ramble, or 

journey 
Town, s. a number of houses 



A Tomb is a place in which the 
dead are enclosed. In the moun- 
tainous country of Palestine, it was 
the custom to place the dead in caves 
in the solid rock ; and great numbers 
of these caves, some natural, and 
some cut for the purpose, are still 
to be found in Syria, Egypt, and 
Persia. Where the families could 
afford it, these tombs were cut with 
great care, either for separate bodies, 
or for many. Some of the vaults 
were large, consisting of more than 
one room, arched at the top, and 
supported by rows of columns. 
These were approached by a long 
flight of steps cut out of the solid 
rock. In some of these vaults, the 
bodies were laid in regular rows on 
stone slabs, placed one above another like shelves ; in others, they 
were placed in hollows cut in the side of the rock, about six or seven 
feet deep. In some instances, the floor itself was cut in hollows of 
various depths, in the shape of a coffin. Some of the bodies were 
placed in stone coffins, with curiously carved lids ; but they were 




WORDS OF ONE SYLLABLE. 



51 



Trace, a. v. to mark out ; to 

follow 
Track, s. a beaten path 
Tract, s. a region ; a small book 
Trade, s. traffic ; employment 
Train, a. v. to educate, to 

bring up, to exercise 
Train, s. a series, a procession, 

a line 
Trait, s. a stroke, a touch 
Treat, a. v. to manage ; to feast 
Tribe, s. a class ; a family 
Trick, s. a sly fraud 
Trim, a. spruce, neat, smart 
Trite, a. worn out, common 
Troop, s. a body of soldiers 
Truce, s. a short peace 
Truck, s. a low carriage 
Trunk, s. a hollow body; a chest 
Truss, s. a bundle; a bandage 



Trust, s. confidence, credit 
Truth, s. certainty ; honesty 
Tuft, s. a cluster, a bunch 
Tune, s. agreement of sounds, 

harmony 
Turn, v. to move round 
Tusk, s. the long tooth of a 

savage animal 
Twins, s. children born at one 

birth 
Twine, a. v. to twist, or wind 
Twirl, a. v. to turn round 
Twist, a. v. to wind, to wrench 

round 
Type, s. sign ; emblem ; print- 
ing letter 
Vague, a. uncertain ; unsettled 
Vain, a. useless ; conceited 
Valve, s. a folding opening 
Van, s. the front, or leading part 



more usually wound up in the grave clothes, with a quantity of 
strong spices to preserve them from decay, and placed in the tomb 
without any kind of coffin. These vaults were, of course, dark; the 
only entrance to them being a narrow opening, which was generally 
closed by a large stone rolled to its mouth, the edges of which were 
secured by stiff clay, or some strong cement. Tombs of a superior 
kind were shut, as in the cut here given, by stone doors, hand- 
somely carved and ornamented, hung and fastened in the same 
manner as the doors of houses. Some of these ancient tombs are 
kept in repair, and are shewn to travellers, a guide going before 
them with a lamp or torch. Others are in open grounds, formed 
with great care, and finished with much neatness. A pot of earth 
is sometimes placed at the head and foot of each grave, with a myrtle, 
or some other flower, which the friends of the departed water regu- 
larly every day. Tombs and sepulchres of the former descrip- 
tion are often spoken of in the Bible. In the Gospel by Matthew, 
we read that at the death of Jesus Christ there was a great earth- 
quake ; " and the rocks rent, and the graves were opened." We 
read also, in the Gospel by Mark, that Joseph went to Pilate and 
obtained the body of Jesus Christ. " And Joseph brought fine linen, 
and took him down, and wrapped him in the linen, and laid him in 
a sepulchre which was hewn out of a rock, and rolled a stone unto 
the door of the sepulchre ;" and, in the Gospel by John, it is added, 
"They took the body of Jesus, and wound it in linen clothes with 
the spices, as the manner of the Jews is to bury." 



52 



WORDS OF ONE SYLLABLE. 



Vase, s. an ornamental vessel 
Vault, 5. a cellar ; a cave 
Vaunt, n. v. to boast 
Veer, n. v. to turn about 
Veil, s. (vale) a covering 
Vent, s. a small opening 
Verge, s. the brink, the edge 
Verse, s. poetry 
Vex, a. v. to plague, to tease 
Vice, s. sin, wickedness 
Vie, n. v. to contend, to strive 
View, a. v. to survey, to look on 
Vile, a. worthless, wicked 
Vogue, s. fashion, mode 
Voice, s. the sound from the 

mouth ; to assert 
Void, a. empty, vain 
Vouch, n. v. to witness ; to 

declare ; to assert 
Vow, s. a solemn promise 
Urge, a. v. to press earnestly 



Urn, s. a vessel with a narrow 

mouth 
Use, s. habit ; practice 
Waft, a. v. to carry over 
Wage, a. v. to attempt ; to 

begin ; to carry on 
Wail, n. v. to grieve, to lament 
Waive, a. v. to put off 
Walk, a. v. to step quietly 
Wall, s. a partition ; a fence 
Wan, a. pale, sickly-looking 
Wand, s. a small stick 
Wane, n. v. to grow less 
Ward, a. v. to guard, to defend 
Ware, s. something to be sold 
Warm, a. heated, angry 
Warp, v. to contract 
Wasp, s. a stinging insect 
Waste, v. to dwindle ; to wear 

away [useless labour 

Waste, s. wanton destruction, 



Veils are a kind of hood, scarf, or 
mantle, used by females for the pur- 
pose of concealing their faces. In 
Asia and Africa they are used as 
tokens of modesty, and of subjection 
to husbands. Some of these veils 
cover the whole of the dress from the 
neck downwards, while the head and 
face are covered with a large white 
handkerchief over the head-dress and 
forehead, leaving only the eyes and 
part of the nose visible. Some of the 
Turkish women use a long piece of 
black stiff crape, which completely 
disguises them, and at the same time 
In Barbary, when the ladies appear 
in public, they fold their dresses so closely round them, that very 
little of their faces can be seen. In the summer, when at their 
country seats, they use less caution, though even then, on the ap- 
proach of a stranger they always drop their veil. In such countries, 
to lift up the veil of an unmarried woman is considered a gross 
insult ; but to take away the veil of a married woman is the greatest 
indignity she can receive.— In our country, and in modern times, 
veils are used for ornament, or to moderate the light of the sun, or 
to defend from wind and dust. 




leaves them room to breathe. 



WORDS OF ONE SYLLABLE. 



53 



Watch, a, v. to guard, to ob- 
serve closely 
Wax, 5 a production of bees 
Wax, a. v. to grow, to increase 
Way, s a rjja.d or passage ; 

manner, method 
Weave, a. v. to join threads 

together ; to fabricate 
Web, s. any thing woven 
Wedge, s. an instrument to 

cleave wood with 
Weed, s. a useless herb 
Weep, n. v. to shed tears 
Weigh, a. v. to examine by 

balance ; to portion out 
Weight, 5. heaviness, burden 
Well, s. a spring, a fountain 
Well, a. happy ; in health 
West, s. where the sun sets 
Wet, a. moist, rainy 
Whale, s. a large sea animal 



Wheat, 5. the grain from which 

bread is chiefly made 
Whelp, s. a puppy ; the young 

of a beast of prey 
Whim, s. a freak, fancy 
Whip, s t a lash, or scourge 
Whirl, s. a rapid turn 
White, a. pale ; pure 
Wide, a, broad, extended 
Wield, a. v. to use with full 

power ; to manage 
Wild, a untamed, fierce 
Wild, *. a desert, a wilderness 
Wile, s. a fraud, a trick 
Will, s. inclination, choice 
Wind, s breath ; air 
Wind, a. v. to turn, to change 
Wine, S; juice of grapes 
Wing, s„ the limb of a bird by 

which it flies 
Wire, s. a thread of metal 




The Whale, of which the above cut represents a skeleton, is 
the largest known inhabitant of the sea. The great Greenland 
Whale usually measures from fifty to ninety feet long, and from 
fifteen to twenty feet broad. In hot climates whales have been found 
one hundred and fifty feet long. Fisheries are established, both in 
the North and South Seas, for the purpose of catching whales, 
which are valuable for the supply they furnish of oil, whalebone, 
and spermaceti. The catching of whales exposes those who are 
engaged in it to much danger. Every ship has six or seven boats, 
each of which is provided with harpoons (a sort of dart), and a suit- 
able number of men. So soon as they get near a whale, they strike 
an harpoon, with a long line fastened to it, deeply into its body. 
The whale immediately dives into the sea, but is soon obliged to 
return to the top of the water for breath. Fresh harpoons are then 
driven ; and when, by often plunging and much bleeding it becomes 
exhausted, a long spear is thrust into its breast, and it soon dies. A 
large whale is said to be worth nearly one thousand pounds. But 
the men endure in their voyages great hardships, and they some- 
times get little more than enough to pay their expences. 

D 



54 



WORDS OF ONE SYLLABLE. 



Wise, a. having knowledge ; 

sensible ; prudent 
Wit, s, quick fancy ; genius 
Woe, s. grief, misery 
Wolf, s. a savage beast 
Wood, s. a plantation ; timber 
Wool, s. the fleece of sheep 
Work, 5. labour, toil 
World, s. the earth 
Worm, s. a small reptile 
Worth, 5. value, excellence 
Wound, s. a hurt, a cut 
Wrap, a. v. to roll together 
Wrath, s. anger, rage 
Wreak, a. v. to revenge 
Wreath, s. a garland 
Wreck, s. ruin, destruction 
Wrest, a. v. to force from by 

twisting ; to wrench 
Wretch, s. an unhappy person 



Wring, a % v, to twist 
Wrist, 5. the joint of the hand 
Writhe, a. v. to distort, to twist 
Wrong, s. an error, an injury 
Wry, a. crooked, distorted 
Yacht, s. (yot) a small ship 
Yarn, s. woollen thread 
Yawn, n. v. to open wide 
Yearn, a. v. to feel great ten- 
derness, or pity 
Yield, a. v. to produce ; to 

submit ; to surrender 
Yoke, s. a chain ; a bond 
Young, a. youthful ; tender 
Youth, s. a young man 
Zeal, s. eagerness, devotion 
Zest, s. a relish, a taste 
Zinc, s. a metal 
Zone, 5. a belt, girdle, a divi- 
sion of the earth 



The Wolf is an 
animal of the dog 
kind. It is violent, 
cruel, and greedy. 
It is fierce when 
there is no cause, 
and kills, more to 
satisfy its evil na- 
ture, than from real 
hunger. It goes 
abroad by night to 
seek its prey, and 
is a great enemy to 
flocks of sheep. It is, altogether, a most disgusting creature. It 
has nothing useful about it except its skin. Its flesh is so rank that 
all animals reject it with disgust. Its aspect is savage — its voice 
dreadful — its stench detestable— its disposition perverse— and its 
manners brutal and ferocious.— The Wolf is frequently spoken of 
in Scripture. — Of some wicked princes of Israel, who instead of 
protecting the innocent, and punishing the evil doer, delighted in 
violence and oppression, and destroyed more than they were able to 
possess, it is said by the prophet Ezekiel,— " They are like 
wolves ravening the prey, to shed blood, to destroy lives, to get dis- 
honest gain." And in the New Testament, false teachers are called 
" grievous wolves, entering in, and not sparing the flock." 




55 



WORDS SIMILARLY PRONOUNCED, BUT DIFFERENT 
IN MEANING AND SPELLING. 



Ail, v. to be sick 

Ale, s. malt liquor 

Air, s. the atmosphere 

Ayr, s. name of a county 

E'er, ad. ever 

Ere, ad. before 

Eyre, s. sl court of justice 

Heir, s. the legal successor 

Aisle, s. a passage in a church 

Isle, 5. an island 

All, a. every one 

Awl, s. a sharp pointed tool 

Ant, s. an insect [sister 

Aunt, 5. a father's or mother's 

Arc, s. part of a circle 

Ark, s. a place of safety 

Aught, s. any thing 

Ought, v. obliged, necessary 

Bail, s. security given 

Bale, a. v. to take out water 

Bale, s. a bundle of goods 

Bait, s. an enticement 

Bate, v. to diminish 

Baize, s. coarse woollen cloth 

Bays, s. a crown, or garland 

Ball, s. a round substance 

Bawl, v. to cry out 

Bare, a. naked 

Bear, s. a wild beast 

Base, a. mean 

Base, s. the foundation 

Bass, s. in music, grave, deep 

Bay, s. an opening of the land 

admitting the sea 
Bey, s. a Turkish chief 
Be, v. to exist 
Bee, s. an insect 



Beach, s. the shore 

Beech, 5. a tree 

Beat, v. to strike 

Beet, s. a plant 

Beau, s. a polite attendant 

Bow, s. an instrument to shoot 

with 
Beer, s. malt liquor 
Bier, s. a carriage for the dead 
Bell, s. a sounding vessel 
Belle, s. a fine lady 
Blew, v. did blow 
Blue, s. a colour 
Boar, 5. the male swine 
Bore, v. to pierce 
Board, s. a thin plank of wood 
Bored, v. did bore 
Bold, a. daring, impudent 
Bowled, v. did bowl 
Boll, s. a round stock or stem 
Bowl, s. a basin 

Bough, s. a branch of a tree 
Bow, v. to bend the body 

Boy, s. a male child 
Buoy, s. a floating signal 

Braid, s. twisted hair 
Brayed, v. made a noise like 
an ass 

Brake, s. a thicket 
Break, v. to destroy 

Bread, s. food made from corn 
Bred, v. brought up 

Brews, v. doth brew 
Bruise, s. a hurt 
Bruit, v. to report 
Brute, s. a beast 



56 



WORDS SIMILARLY PRONOUNCED, 



But, conj. yet, except 
Butt, 5. a large cask 

Buy, v. to purchase 
By, prep, near 

Call, v. to name, to cite 
Caul, s. a membrane 
Can, v. am able 
Can, s. a jug 

Cask, s. a barrel 
Casque, s. a helmet 

Cast, v. to throw 
Caste, s. a tribe, or sect 
Cede, v. to grant 
Seed, s. principle of produc- 
tion 

Cell, s. a small room, or cavity 
Sell, v. to dispose of 

Cent, s. a hundred 

Sent, v. conveyed 

Scent, s. an odour, a smell 

Chair, s. a moveable seat 
Char, v. to work by the day 
Cinque, a. five 
Sink, v. to fall down gradually 

Cite, v. to call, to quote 
Sight, 5. view, vision 
Site, s. situation 
Clause, s. part of a sentence 
Claws, s. talons 

Climb, v. to mount up 

Clime, s. climate 

Coarse, a. rough 

Course, 5. race, career 

Core, s. the heart of fruit, the 

inner prat 
Corps, s. a body of soldiers 

Creak, v. to make a harsh noise 
Creek, s. a narrow bay 



Dam, 5. the mother of beasts 
Dam, v. to stop 
Damn, v. to condemn 

Dane, s. a native of Denmark 
Deign, v. to condescend 

Dear, a. beloved ; costly 
Deer, s. an animal 

Dew, s. a thin mist ; vapour 
Due, a. owing 

Die, v. to expire 
Dye, v. to stain 

Doe, 5. a female deer 
Dough, s. kneaded flour 

Done, v. performed 
Dun, s. a troublesome creditor ; 
a dark, gray colour 

Drachm, s. the eighth part of 

an ounce 
Dram, s. a glass of spirits 
Draft, s. a bill [of drawing 
Draught, s. a drink ; the act 
Ewe, s. a female sheep 
Yew, 5. an evergreen tree 
You, pro. yourselves 

Ewer, 5. a basin 

Your, pro. belonging to you 

Eye, s. the organ of sight 
I, pro. myself 
Fain, ad. willingly 
Fane, 5. a weathercock 
Feign, v. to pretend 

Faint, a. weak, exhausted 
Feint, s. a pretence 
Fair, a. honest, clear 
Fare, s. diet ; hire 
Fair, s. a large market 
Feat, s. a deed ; an exploit 
Feet, s. part of the body 



BUT DIFFERENT IN MEANING AND SPELLING. 



57 



Fir, s. a hardy tree 

Fur, s. hair of a beast 

Flea, s. an insect 

Flee, v. to run away 

Flew, v. did fly 

Flue, 5. a pipe, a chimney 

Fore, s. front ; chief 

Four, a. a number 

Fort, s. a fortification 

Forte, s. peculiar talent 

Forth, a. forward 

Fourth, a. the fourth in order 

Foul, a. filthy 

Fowl, s. a bird 

Frays, s. quarrels 

Phrase, s. mode of speech 

Freeze, v. to congeal 

Frieze, s. coarse woollen cloth 

Gage, s. a pledge 

Guage, s. a measure 

Gait, s. manner of walking 

Gate, s. a sort of door 

Gilt, v, covered with gold 

Guilt, s. sin, offence 

Glaire, s. white of an egg 

Glare, s. intense brightness 

Grate, s. a fire-place 

Great, a. large, powerful 

Grease, s. fat, oil 

Greece, s. a kingdom 

Groan, v. to sigh deeply 

Grown, v. increased 

Hail, s. frozen rain 

Hale, a. healthy, strong 

Hair, s. a natural covering 

Hare, s. a wild animal 

Hall, s. a large room, or 

court 
Haul, v. to pull, to drag 



Hart, 5. a stag 

Heart, s. the vital organ 

Heal, v. to cure 

Heel, 5. part of the foot 

Hear, v. to listen 

Here, ad. in this place 

Heard, v. perceived by the ear 

Herd, s. a flock 

Hew, v. to cut down 

Hue, 5. a tinge, a colour 

Hugh, s. a man's name 

Hie, *;. to make haste 

High, a. lofty, eminent 

Him, pro. objective case of he 

Hymn, s. a sacred song 

Hoard, v. to lay up in store 

Horde, s. a travelling band 

Hole, s. a cavity 

Whole, s. the entire 

Hoop, s. a circular band 

Whoop, v. to shout 

Hour, 5. time of day 

Our, pro. belonging to us 

In, prep, within 

Inn, s. a tavern, a hotel 

Jam, s. a confection 

Jamb, s. the post of a door 

Key, s. an instrument for a lock 

Q,uay, s. a place to land goods 

Kill, v. to take away life 

Kiln, s. a stove in which to dry 

or burn things 
Knap, s. the down of cloth 
Nap, a', a short sleep 
Knave, s. a rogue 
Nave, s. part of a wheel, 

middle of a church 
Knead, v. to work dough 
Need, s. want, poverty 



58 



WORDS SIMILARLY PRONOUNCED, 



Knew, v. did know 

New, a. not old, recent 

Knight, s. a title 

Night, s. time of darkness 

Knot, s. a tie ; a cluster 

Not, ad. not so 

Knows, v. understands 

Nose, s. part of the face 

Lade, v. to load ; to draw out 

Laid, v. placed 

Lain, v. reclined 

Lane, 5. a narrow road 

Lanch, v. to throw ; to dart 

Launch, v . to push into the water 

Lax, a. loose 

Lacks, 0, he wants 

Lea, s. ground enclosed 

Lee, s. the side opposite to that 

on which the wind blows 
Lead, s. a soft metal 
Led, v. guided, conducted 
Leak, v. to let water in or put 
Leek, s. a bulbous herb 
Limb, s. part of a body- 
Limn, v. to draw, to paint 
Lo ! interj. behold 
Low, a. humble, not loud 
Loan, 5. any thing lent 
Lone, a. alone 
Made, v. formed, created 
Maid, s. a female servant 
Mail, s. a bag ; armour 
Male, s. the he animal 
Main, a. chief [of an animal 
Mane, s. loose hair on the neck 
Maze, s. a labyrinth 
Maize, s. Indian corn 
Mean, a. base, low, paltry 
Mien, s. look, air 



Meat, s. food, flesh 

Meet, a. fit, suitable 

Mete, v. to measure 

Mead, s. a meadow ; a liquor 

made from honey- 
Meed, s. reward 
Might, s. power, strength 
Mite, 5. a little insect 
Moan, v. to lament 
Mown, v. cut down 
Muse, v. to meditate 
Mews, 5. a set of stables 
Naught, a. bad, worthless 
Nought, s. nothing 
None, a. not one 
Nun, s. a female recluse 
Oar, s. an instrument for rowing 
Ore, s. unwrought metal 
Oh ! interj. an exclamation 
Owe, v. to be indebted 
Pail, s. a wooden vessel 
Pale, a. wan, pallid 
Pain,, s. penalty, anguish 
Pane, s. a plate of glass 
Pair, s. a couple 
Pare, v. to cut, to trim 
Pear, s. a fruit 
Pall, s. a covering 
Paul, s. a Christian name 
Pause, s. a stop 
Paws, s. the feet of beasts 
Peace, s. quiet, rest 
Piece, s. a part 
Peak, 5. a point 
Pique, s. an offence taken 
Peal, s. a ringing of bells 
Peel, 5. the rind of fruit 
Peer, s. a nobleman 
Pier, 5. the support of an arch 



BUT DIFFERENT IN MEANING AND SPELLING. 



59 



Place, 5. a situation 

Plaice, s. a flat-fish 

Plain, a. simple, evident ; level 

Plane, s. a level surface 

Plait, s. a fold 

Plate, s. wrought silver 

Plum, s. a fruit 

Plumb, v. to sound, to fathom 

Pole, s. a long stick 

Poll, s. the head 

Praise, 5. commendation 

Prays, v. beseeches 

Pray, v. to beseech 

Prey, s. plunder 

Pries, v. searches into 

Prize, v. to value highly 

Rain, s. water from the clouds 

Reign, v. to rule 

Rein, s. part of a bridle 

Raise, v. to lift up 

Rays, s. beams of light 

Raze, v. to level 

Rap, s. a knock 

Wrap, v. to roll up 

Read, v. perused 

Red, s. a colour 

Read, v. to peruse 

Reed, s. a kind of straw 

Rear, v. to raise up 

Rare, a. scarce 

Reek, v. to steam 

Wreak, v. to exercise vengeance 

Rest, s. ease, repose 

Wrest, v. to force, to strain 

Rhyme, s. metre, poetry 

Rime, s. hoar frost 

Right, a. correct; straight 

Rite, s. a religious ceremony 

Write, v. to use a pen 



Ring, s. a circle 

Wring, v. to twist 

Road, 5. a way, path 

Rode, v. did ride 

Rowed, v. did row 

Roe, s. the eggs of fish 

Row, s. rank, series 

Rote, s. words repeated by 

mere memory 
Wrote, v. did write 
Rough, a. uneven 
Ruff, s. a covering for the neck 

Rye, s. a sort of corn 
Wry, a. crooked, distorted 

Sail, s. a cloth to catch the wind 
Sale, s. a vending 

Scene, s. view, prospect 
Seen, v. beheld 

Sea, s. the ocean 
See, v. to behold 
See, s. the diocese of a bishop 

Seam, s. a sewed joint 
Seem, v. to appear 
Sear, v. to burn, to dry up 
Seer, s. one who foresees 

Sees, v. beholds 

Seize, v. to grasp with force 

Sew, v. to join by needle-work 
Sow, v. to scatter seed 
So, ad. in like manner 

Shear, v. to cut or clip 
Sheer, a. pure ; unmixed 

Shew, v. to point out 
Show, s. an exhibition 

Sleight, s. a delusive trick 
Slight, s. neglect, offence 

Sloe, s. fruit of the blackthorn 
1 Slow, a. tardy 



60 



WORDS SIMILARLY PRONOUNCED. 



Sole, 5. the under part of the 

foot ; a fish 
Soul, s. the immortal spirit 
Soar, v. to rise in the air 
Sore, a. painful, tender 
Some, a. more or less 
Sum, s. the whole ; a quantity 
Son, s. a male child 
Sun, s. the source of daylight 
Stake, s. a post ; a wager 
Steak, s. a slice of meat 
Stare, v. to look earnestly 
Stair, s. a step 

Steal, v. to take without consent 
Steel, s. tempered iron 
Stile, s. steps over a fence 
Style, s. manner of language 
Straight, a. direct, unbent 
Strait, a. narrow 
Suite, s. a set 
Sweet, a. pleasant 
Tacks, s. small nails 
Tax, 5. a rate, an impost 
Tail, 5. an appendage 
Tale, s. a story 
Tare, s. a weed 
Tear, v. to rend 
Team, s. a yoke of cattle 
Teem, v. to abound 
Their, pro. of them 
There, ad. in that place 
Threw, v. did throw 
Through, prep, by means of 
Throe, s. agony ; struggle 
Throw, v. to cast, to heave 
Throne, s. a seat of state 
Thrown, v. hurled 
Thyme, s. a pot herb 



Time, s. duration ; season 

Tier, 5. a rank or row 
Tear, s. a drop from the eye 

Told, v. related 
Tolled, v. did toll 

Too, ad. also 

Two* a. one and one 

Toe, s. part of the foot 
Tow, v. to draw by a rope 

Ton, s. twenty hundred weight 
Tun, s. a large cask 

Vain, a. conceited, fruitless 
Vane, s. a weathercock 
Vein, s. a blood-vessel 

Vale, s. a valley 
Vail, 5. a present 
Veil, s. a covering 

Wade, v. to walk through water 
Weighed, v. did weigh 
Wait, v. to stay 
Weight, s. heaviness 
Wain, s. a waggon 
Wane v. to decrease 
Ware, s. merchandise 
Wear, v. to use ; to waste 

Waste, v. to consume 
Waist, s. the middle 
Waive, v. to relinquish 
Wave, s. a billow 
Way, s. a passage 
Weigh, v. to poise, to judge 
Weak. a. feeble, infirm 
Week, s. seven days 
Wood, s. timber 
Would, v. was willing 
Yoke, s. a bond ; bondage 
Yolk, s. yellow part of an egg 






61 



WORDS OF TWO SYLLABLES. 



ACCENTED ON THE FIRST. 

Ab-ba, s. father [monks 

Ab-bot, s. the governor of 
A-ble, a. strong, skilful 
A-bly, ad. with ability 
Ab-sent, a. away ; careless 
Ac-cent, s. the manner of 

pronouncing words 
A-corn, s. the fruit of the oak 
A-crid, a. hot, sharp tasted 
Ac-tion, s. a thing done 
Ac-tive, a. nimble, lively 
Ac-tor, s. he who acts 
Ac-tress, s. a female actor 
Ad-age, s. a maxim, a proverb 
Ad-der, s. a poisonous reptile 
Ad-vent, s. the coming 



Ad-verse, a. contrary to 
Ag-ate, s. a precious stone 
A-gent, s. a deputy, substitute 
A-gile, a. ready ; active 
Ai-ry, a. open to the air 
Al-bum, s. a scrap book 
Al-ley, 5. a narrow passage 
Al-mond, s. a nut [the poor 
Alms-house, s. a refuge for 
A-loe, 5. a tree [Alps 

Al-pine, a. belonging to the 
Al-tar, s. a place where sacri- 
fices to God were laid 
Al-ter, a. v. to change, to turn 
Al-um, s. a mineral salt 
Al-ways, ad. constantly 
Am-ber, s. a yellow gum 
Am-ble, s. an easy pace 



By an Altar is meant an 
elevated hearth, upon which 
fire was laid, and offerings pre- 
sented to the Supreme Being. 
These offerings were either ani- 
mals, or sweet scented gums 
and spices : the first were cal- 
led burnt offerings ; the second, 
incense offerings. In the earli- 
est ages altars were heaps of 
earth, or stones piled one on 
the other. They were after- 
wards made of rough stones, 
with a covering of brass. The 
altar of burnt offering, men- 
tioned in the Book of Exodus, and upon which were offered various 
sacrifices according to the law of Moses, was made of a beautiful 
and durable wood, cased over with brass, and having a grate of the 
same metal. It was so constructed as to be carried from place to 
place, on the shoulders of the priests, by means of long staves of the 
same wood, overlaid with brass. When Solomon built a temple for 
the worship of Jehovah, the altar was very considerably enlarged, 
and richly ornamented, and was placed in the open air, that the 
smoke might not sully the inside of the temple. 

d 2 




62 



WORDS OF TWO SYLLABLES. 



Am-bush, s. the state of lying 

in wait, or concealment 
Am-ple, a. large ; liberal 
An-chor, 5. an iron instru- 
ment by which ships are 
fastened to the ground 
An-cient, a. old ; original 
An-gel, s. a divine messenger 
An-ger, s. passion, rage 
An-gle, s. a corner 
An-gler, s. a person who fishes 
An-swer, s. a reply to a ques- 
tion, or charge 
An-them, s. a holy song 
An-tic, a. odd ; droll ; wild 
Ant-ler, 5. the branch of a 
stag's horn [easy ; careful 
Anx-ious, (ankshus) a. un- 
A-pex, s. the tip, or point 
Apt-ly, ad. fitly, properly 



Arch-er, s. he that shoots with 

a bow 
Ar-dent, a. hot, fiery, eager 
Ar-dour, 5. heat ; eagerness 
A-rid, a. dry, parched 
Ar-mour, s. defensive arms 
Art-ful, a. cunning, skilful 
Art-ist, s. a skilful man 
As-pect, s. look, appearance 
As-pen, s. a tree, the poplar 
Auc-tion, s. a public sale 
Au-gur, n. v. to guess, to 

foretell 
Au-tumn, s. the season be- 
tween summer and winter 

ACCENTED ON THE SECOND. 

A-base, a. v. to bring low 
A-bate, a. v. to lessen, to beat 
down ; to depress 




The art of shooting 
with Bow and Arrow 
is one of great antiquity. 
Indeed this is the first 
hostile weapon of which 
mention is made. It 
appears to have been 
first used in hunting, to 
attack from a distance, 
those animals whose 
strength or swiftness 
rendered it difficult or 
dangerous to come close 
to them. Ishmael, when banished from his fathers tents, " dwelt 
in the wilderness, and became an archer ;" and his nephew Esau 
employed the bow in his hunting. It afterwards came to be used 
extensively as an instrument of war. It is still used in savage 
nations for both purposes. In this country its use remains only as 
a healthful exercise, or as a trial of skill ; its other uses being super- 
seded by the introduction of gunpowder, and those destructive 
engines, muskets and cannons. 

The ancient bows were made of tough wood, or of horn i those of 
wood being tipped with horn, and those of horn with metal, often 
with gold and silver. Many were made wholly of metal, as steel or 
brass. Great strength of arm, as well as frequent practice, were 
required, in order to use the bow with effect. We find, in the 



WORDS OF TWO SYLLABLES. 



63 



Ab-hor, a. v.. to hate, to detest 
Ab-jure, a. v. to disown upon 

oath ; to recant 
Ab-seond, v. to hide one'self 
Ab-solve, a. v. to clear ; to 

acquit ; to remit sin 
Ab-surd, a. unreasonable 
Ac-cept, a. v. to receive wil- 
lingly, or with pleasure 
Ac-count, s. a reckoning, a 

narrative ; explanation 
Ac-cuse, a. v. to charge 
Ac-quaint, a. v. to inform, to 

make familiar with 
Ac-quire, a. v. to gain, to save 
Ac-quit, a. v. to clear from 

guilt ; to set free 
Ad-duce, a. v. to bring for- 
ward in addition 
A-dept, s. a skilful person 



Ad-here, n. v. to stick close 
Ad-jure, a. v. to charge so- 
lemnly ; to intreat 
Ad-just, a. v. to set right 
Ad-mit, a. v. to let in ; to allow 
A-dorn, a. v. to ornament 
Ad-vance, n. v. to bring for- 
ward ; to improve 
Ad- vert, n. v. to attend to 
Ad-vice, s. counsel ; instruction 
Ad-vise, a. v. to counsel ; to 

inform ; to instruct 
A-dult, s. grown up 
Af-fair, s. business ; concern 
Af-fix, a. v. to join 
Af-flict, a. v. to pain ; to grieve 
A-fraid, a. fearful, terrified 
Af-fray, s. a quarrel, a tumult 
Af-front, a. v. to insult 
Ag-grieve, a.v. to injure, to vex 



Bible, that the Hebrew youth were trained betimes to that exercise, 
and many prided themselves greatly on their skill and experience. 
David mentions, as a proof of the great strength with which God 
had endowed him, that " a bow of steel was broken by his arms." 
It was often proposed, as a trial of strength, to bend some particular 



bow ; and persons gloried in the possession and use of a bow which 
no one but themselves could bend. The dying Jacob, when speak- 
ing of his favourite son Joseph, and his triumph over those who 
aimed at his destruction, said, " The archers have sorely grieved 
him, and shot at him, and hated him. But his own bow abode in 
strength, and the arms of his hands were made strong by the hands 
of the mighty God of Jacob." 

The how-string was formed of leathern thongs, horse hair, or the 
sinews of oxen. The arrows were made either of reed, or of light 
wood, headed with bone, ivory, sharp stone, brass, or iron. They 
were from three to six feet in length. They were sometimes simply 
pointed, but more commonly barbed, or leaf-shaped, like the head of 
a spear. In some cases, as among Indian tribes in the present day, 
the practice of poisoning the point was resorted to ; in other cases, 
burning materials were fastened to the arrow, so as to spread confu- 
sion and destruction into an army, or to set on fire some building 
at which they were aimed. 

The archers, when engaged in war, were frequently mounted in 
chariots, drawn by swift horses. The reins of the horses were 
fastened round the waist of the warrior, who stood upright, shooting 
arrows right and left as he proceeded. 



64 



WORDS OF TWO SYLLABLES. 



A-ghast, a. astonished ; ter- 
rified ; stupified 
A-larm, a. v. to surprise ; to 

startle ; to disturb 
A-lert, a. quick, nimble 
Al-lege, n. v. to declare 
A-loof, ad. at a distance 
Al-lot, a. v. to share out 
Al-low, a. v. to admit, to give 
Al-loy, s, baser metal mixed 

with gold and silver 
Al-ly, s. a friend, a relation 
Al-lude, n. v. to refer to 
Al-lure, a. v. to entice, to decoy 
A-maze, a. v. to astonish 
A-mend, a. v. to grow better 
A-mends, s. recompense 
A-muse, a. v. to entertain 
An-noy, v. to trouble 
A-noint, a. v. to consecrate 
An-tique, a. (anteek) ancient 



Ap-peal, n. v. to refer to 

another as judge 
Ap-pear, n. v. to be in sight 
Ap-pease, a. v. to soothe 
Ap-plaud, a. v. to praise 
Ap-plause, s. commendation 
Ap-ply, a. v. to use ; to ask ; 

to study 
Ap-point, a. v. to choose 
Ap-proach, a. v. to come near 
Ap-prove, a. v. to commend 
Ar-raign, a. v. to put on trial 
Ar-rear, s. part left unpaid 
Ar-rest, a. v. to seize, to stop 
As-cend, a. v. to go up 
As-cent, s. a high place 
As-cribe, a. v. to impute 
As-sault, s. an attack 
As-say, a. v. to make trial 
As-sent, s. agreement 
As-sert, a. v. to affirm, to claim 



To anoint is to pour oil upon. Under the Mosaic law, both 
persons and things which were set apart for sacred purposes were 
anointed with the holy oil. This signified that such persons would 
have wisdom and grace to enable them rightly to perform their duties. 
The anointing of kings was a ceremony used on their being set apart 
to their office. This was sometimes done in private, as a declaration 
that the persons so anointed should, on some future day, receive 
the kingdom. The anointing was repeated in public, with some 
additional ceremonies, when they actually entered upon their duties. 

When David resigned his kingdom into the hands of his son 
Solomon, it was a season of great public show and rejoicing. 
There was a grand procession of horsemen and footmen, with music. 
Solomon rode upon the king's mule, heralds going before him, blow- 
ing trumpets, and proclaiming him king. Then " Zadok the priest 
took an horn of oil out of the tabernacle, and anointed Solomon. 
And they blew the trumpets, and all the people said, God save king 
Solomon. And all the people came up after him, and the people 
piped with their pipes, and rejoiced with great joy, so that the earth 
rent with the sound of them." 

An interesting account of a private anointing is found in the 
early history of king David. " The Lord said to Samuel, Fill 
thine horn with oil, and go ; I will send thee to Jesse, the Beth- 
lehemite : for I have provided me a king among his sons." Samuel 
went as directed, and seven of Jesse's sons were made to pass 



WORDS OF TWO SYLLABLES. 



65 



As-sign, a. v. to appoint 
As-sist, a. v. to help ; to relieve 
As-sume, a. v. to take ; to 

suppose ; to claim 
As-sure, n. v. to promise ; to 

make sure 
A-stray, a. out of the right way 
A- tone, n. v. to make amends 
At- tend, n. v. to wait ; to 

listen ; to accompany 
At- test, a. v. to witness 
At- tire, s. clothes ; dress 
At- tract, a. v. to draw towards 
A- vail, s. use ; benefit 
A-venge, a. v. to revenge 
A-verse, a. unfavourable to 
A- vert, a. v. to turn aside 
A- void, a. v. to shun 
Aus-tere, a. severe ; sour 
A-ward, s. determination 
A-ware, a. informed ; cautious 



to attend 
A- wake, a. v. to rouse up 

ACCENTED ON THE FIRST. 

Bab-ble, n. v. to talk idly 
Bad-ger, s. an animal 
Bal-ance, s. a machine for 

weighing 
Bal-ance, a. v. to make equal 
Ban-ish, a. v. to drive away 
Bank-er, s. a trader in money 
Ban-ner, s. a flag, a standard 
Ban-quet, s. a dainty feast 
Bar-ren, a. unfruitful 
Bar-ter, n. v. to exchange 
Base-ly, ad. meanly, vilely 
Bas-is, s. the foundation 
Bea-con, s. a signal 
Beau-ty, s. grace, comeliness 
Ber-ry, 5. a small fruit 
Ber-yl, s. a precious stone 



before him. At length David, who was keeping his father's sheep, 
was sent for. " And the Lord said, Arise, anoint him, for this is he. 
Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of 




his brethren. And the Spirit of the Lord came upon David from 
that day forward." When he was about thirty years of age, he was 
publicly called to enter on the duties of the royal office. " All the 
tribes of Israel came unto him to Hebron, and David made a 
league with them before the Lord, and there they anointed David 
king over Israel." 



66 



WORDS OF TWO SYLLABLES. 



Bi-ble, 5. the written word of 

God, His revealed will 
Blame-less, a. free from blame 
Blem-ish, s. a stain, defect 
Blos-som, 5. a flower 
Blun-der, s. a mistake, error 
Bold-ness, s. courage ; assur- 
ance ; confidence 
Boo-ty, 5. plunder, spoil 
Brace-let, s. an ornament for 

the arm 
Brawl-er, s. a noisy person 
Breast-plate, s. apiece of arm- 
our for the breast 
Brit-tle, a. apt to break 
Bro-ker, s. a factor, an agent 
Bru-tal, a. savage, cruel 
Bul-wark, s. a defence 
Bur-gess, s. a free citizen 
Bur-nish, a. v. to make bright 
But-tress, s. a prop, a support 



Buz-zard, s. a bird ; a dunce 

ACCENTED ON THE SECOND. 

Be-guile, a. v. to deceive 
Be-lieve, a. v. to credit 
Be-moan, v. to lament 
Be-nign, a. kind, healthful 
Be-numb, a. v. to deaden 
Be-queath, n.v.to give by will 
Be-quest, s. any thing left by 

will ; a legacy 
Be-seech, n. v. to entreat 
Be-set, a. v. to surround, to 

perplex, to entangle 
Be-siege, a. v. to block up 
Be-tray, a. v. to break one's 

trust, to deceive 
Be-wail, a. v. to lament 
Be-ware, n. v. to be cautious 
Blas-pheme, v. to revile 
Block-ade, a. v. to shut up 



Bottles in Eastern countries are 
made of the skins of goats or kids, 
stripped off without cutting open the 
front part : the openings made by cut- 
ting off the legs and tail are sewed up ; 
and, when filled, the neck is tied tightly 
round. In these skin bottles, wine, 
water, milk, and other liquids, are pre- 
served in a fresh state for a considerable 
length of time. In travelling, they are 
enclosed in woollen sacks, because beasts 
of burden often fall under their load, or 
cast it down upon the sandy desert. 
In the New Testament it is said, " No 
man putteth new wine into old bottles ; else the new wine will burst 
the bottles, and be spilled, and the bottles will perish. But new 
wine must be put into new bottles, and both are preserved." New 
wine would ferment, and swell the bottle considerably, so as to 
cause it to burst. A new and strong bottle, therefore, was necessary, 
in order to resist the inward pressure, and to preserve both the 
bottle and its contents. The Arabs and Persians never go a jour- 
ney without a small leathern bottle of water hanging by their side ; 
—this the heat of the climate, and the scarcity of wells and springs 
of water render necessary. 




I 



WORDS OF TWO SYLLABLES. 



67 



Bom-bast, s. big empty words 
Bureau, s. (burd) a chest of 
drawers 

ACCENTED ON THE FIRST. 

Gab-in, s. a small room 
Ca-ble, s. a rope for an anchor 
Ca-dence, s. the fall of the voice 
Cal-lous, a. hard, unfeeling 
Cal-low, a. unfeathered 
Cam-el, s. a beast of burden 
Can-eel, a. v. to blot out 
Can-did, a. fair, open, honest 
Can-dour, s. sincerity 
Can-on, s. a rule, a law 
Can-non, s. a large gun 
Can-vas, 5. a coarse cloth 
Can-vass, a. v. to solicit, to 

examine, to debate 
Ca-per, n. v. to jump ; to dance 
Cap-tain, s, a commander 



Cap-tious, a. peevish, finding 

fault 
Cap-tive, s. a prisoner 
Cap-ture, s, a seizure ; a prize 
Car-nage, s. slaughter, death 
Car-go, s. a ship's lading 
Car-ol, s. a song of joy 
Cas-tle, s. a fortified place 
Cav-ern, s. a cave ; a den 
Cau-tious, a. prudent, careful 
Ce-dar, s. a tree 
Ceil-ing, s. the roof of a room 
Cen-sus, s. a numbering of 

the people 
Cen-sure, s. blame ; reproof 
Cen-tre, s. the middle 
Cer-tain, a. sure ; without 

doubt [summons 

Chal-lenge, s. a defiance ; a 
Chap-let, s. a garland, a wreath 
Chap-ter,5. a division of a book 




The Camel is a beast of burden, of the highest value in the 
deserts of Asia and Africa. It is satisfied with a little food, of the 
coarsest kind ; it is capable of enduring surprising fatigue, and is 
every way formed for the climate and soil of such countries. In- 
deed, without the Camel the dwellers in the deserts must perish. Its 
chief use is to carry burdens, and it has been sometimes used in 
war, to carry the baggage of an Eastern army. Long strings of 
Camels, or caravans as they are called, go across the deserts toge- 
ther, bearing various kinds of merchandize, moving at the rate of 
about three miles an hour, as regular as clock-work, day after day, for 



68 



WORDS OF TWO SYLLABLES. 



Char-coal, 5. coal made by 

burning wood under turf 
Charm-ing, a. and part. 
pleasing, lovely [mass 

Chaos, 5. (kaos) a confused 
Char-ter, s. a grant, a privilege 
Chas-ten, a. v. to correct, to 

punish 
Cheer-ful, a. gay, joyful 
Che-rish, a. v. to nourish 
Chief- tain, s. a leader 
Chis-el, s. an iron tool 
Cho-ler, (coller) s. anger, rage 
Churl-ish, a. surly, selfish 
Cis-tern, s. a water vessel 
Ci-tron, s. a kind of lemon 
Ci-ty, s. a large town 
Cla-mour, s. outcry, noise 
Cle-ment, a. mild, merciful 
Clev-er, a. skilful, dexterous 
Cli-max, 5. gradation, ascent 



Clo-set, s. a small room 
Clou-dy, a. dark, obscure 
Clo-ver, 5. a sort of grass 
Clus-ter, s. a bunch 
Cof-fer, s. a money chest 
Co-gent, a. forcible 
Col-lege, s. a public school 
Com-bat, s. a battle 
Co-lumn, s. a round pillar 
Come-ly, a. graceful, decent, 

good looking 
Com-et, 5. an excentric planet 
Corn-fit, s. a sweetmeat 
Com-fort, s. support, pleasure 
Com-fort, a. v. to cheer ; to 

revive 
Com-ment, s. an explanation 
Com-merce, s. trade, dealing 
Com-mon, a. frequent; vulgar 
Com-plex, a. of many parts 
Corn-pound, s. a mixture 



eight hours daily. Upon occasions, however, their swiftness is very 
great, being able to travel a hundred miles in a day, with heavy 
loads. The unwearied patience, the strength, the gentleness, the 
power of going long journeys on scanty fare, all render the Camel 
invaluable ; and afford a striking proof of the wisdom and good- 
ness of God in suiting its habits to those regions in which it can 
be of the most eminent service. 



The Coney is a small animal, 
shaped somewhat like a rabbit, 
but having no tail. It is found 
in Ethiopia, Mount Lebanon, 
and other parts of Arabia and 
Syria, living chiefly in the 
mouths of caves, and in the 
clefts of the rocks. Coneys 
are fond of company, and may 
be seen by dozens, sitting upon 
pieces of rock, warming themselves in the sun, or enjoying the fresh- 
ness of the summers evening. They are mild and timid in their 
deportment. Solomon says they are " a feeble folk," and yet " ex- 
ceeding wise, making their houses in the rocks." Conscious that 
they are w r eak and tender, they wisely select those places for their 
nests in which they may abide in safety. 




WORDS OF TWO SYLLABLES. 



69 



Com-rade, s. a companion 
Con-cave, a. hollow 
Con-cert, 5. a musical enter- 
tainment 
Con-cord, s. harmony 
Con-course, s. a multitude 
Con-duct, s. behaviour 
Co-ney, .?. a small animal 
Con-fines, s. boundaries 
Con-flict, s. a contest, struggle 
Con-flux, 5. a flowing together 
Con-gress, 5. an assembly 
Con-quer, a. v. to subdue 
Con-quest, s. a victory 
Con-scious, (conshus) a. hav- 
ing knowledge 
Con-serve, s. a preserve 
Con-sort, s. a wife or husband 
Con-stant, a. firm, continual 
Con-strue, a. v. to explain 
Con-tact, s. touch, close union 
Con-test, s. a dispute, debate 



Con-tract, s. an agreement 
Con-trast, s. a difference 
Con-trite, a. truly penitent 
Con-vert, s. one changed 
Con-vex, a. round, spherical 
Con-vict, s. one found guilty 
Con-voy, s. an escort guard 
Cop-per, s. a metal 
Co-ral, s. a submarine plant 
Co-vert, 5. a retreat 
Cor-nice, s. a moulding 
Coun-cil, s. an assembly 
Coun-sel, 5. advice 
Coun-ty, s. a division of the 

kingdom [age 

Cow-ard, s. one without cour- 
Cres-cent, a. increasing 
Crick-et, s. an insect 
Cri-tic, s. a judge ; a censor 
Cri-sis, s. a critical time 
Crude-ly, ad. roughly, un- 

ripely 




Coral is a hard chalky substance, 
growing under the sea, resembling in 
figure the stem of a plant, divided into 
branches. It is of different colours, 
but the red is the sort generally called 
coral, and usually made into orna- 
ments. Coral is one of the most won- 
derful productions in the creation. It was for ages thought to be a 
vegetable produce ; but, about a century ago, it was found to be the 
work of a living animal. There are six sorts of the animal, two of 
which are represented in the cut, the natural and magnified size. These 
animals are constantly throwing out a kind of milky juice, which 
becomes fixed and solid ; and this process is continually going on, 
till large rocks of the substance are raised in the sea, which in the 
course of time become islands.— The Coral insect is found in most 
of the great seas ; but in the Pacific Ocean these tiny workmen are 
effecting changes which exceed the most stupendous powers of man. 
What is called the Coral Sea takes in a region of many hundred 
miles in extent, the whole of which are thickly studded with reefs, 
rocks, and islands. Some of these islands measure nearly thirty miles 
across : they are covered with a deep soil, well wooded with trees and 
evergreens, and inhabited by thousands of human beings. Such is 
the work of insects ! 



70 

Cru-el, a. without pity 
Cul-prit, s. a person charged 

with a crime 
Cul-ture, 5. improvement 
Cun-ning, a. artful, sly 
Cu-rate, s. a parish priest 
Cur-rant, s. a small fruit 
Cur-rent, s. a running stream 
Cush-ion, s. a seat 
Cus-tom, s. use ; fashion ; tax 
Cut-lass, s. a short sword 
Cut-ler, s. a knife maker 
Cyn-ic, a. morose ; snarling 
Cy-press, 5. a tree 

ACCENTED ON THE SECOND. 

Ca-bal, s a party ; a scheme 
Ca-jole, n. v. to natter ; to 
coax [powder 

Cal-cine, v. n. to burn to 
Ca-lash, s. a small carriage 



WORDS OF TWO SYLLABLES. 



Ca-nal, s. an artificial river 
Ca-noe, s. an Indian boat 
Ca-price, s. a whim, a fancy 
Ca-reer, s. a course ; swift 

motion 
Ca-rouse, n. v. to drink hard 
Cas-cade, s. a waterfall 
Cash-ier, s, a cash keeper 
Ce-ment, s. mortar ; glue 
Chag-rin, s. vexation 
Col-lect, a. v. to gather 
Com-bine, a. v. to unite, to 

join together 
Com-mand, a. v. to order 
Com-menee, a v. to begin 
Com-mend, a. v. to praise 
Com-mit, a. v. to intrust ; to 

send to prison 
Com-mune, n. v. to converse 
Corn-pact, a. firm, close 
Com-pare, tf. v. to liken 




A Canoe is a light boat, used by some Indian tribes, and by 
natives of the islands of the Pacific Ocean. Canoes are generally 
made of the trunks of trees, hollowed out by cutting, or by fire. 
Being broad and flat, they swim freely. They are worked with 
paddles, which are small and light, pointed at the bottom, broad in 
the middle, and narrowing off into a sort of handle about five feet 
long. Some of these canoes have room for only one person. Others, 
as in the cut here given, are made for two persons, who sit in a sort 
of hole made for the purpose. Some are made about forty feet long, 
and will carry twenty persons. Others, built for purposes of war, 
have the appearance of two canoes joined together, and will 
hold from thirfy to one hundred men : these are nearly seventy 
feet long. Some of them are curiously carved, and have strange 
and frightful ornaments, composed of teeth of seals and sharks, and 
of small flat shells. 



WORDS OF TWO SYLLABLES. 



71 



Corn-pel, a. v. to force, to con- 
strain, to oblige 
Corn-pile, a. v. to collect 
Com-plete, a. finished, perfect 
Com-ply, n.v.to yield, to suit 
Corn-port, n v. to agree 
Com-pose,«. , y.to write; to quiet 
Corn-pound, a. v. to mingle 
Corn-press, a v. to squeeze 

together ; to embrace 
Com-prise, n. v. to contain 
Com-pute, a. v, to calculate 
Con-ceal, a. v. to hide 
Con-cede, a. v. to admit, grant 
Con-ceit, s. fancy ; pride 
Con-ceive, a. v. to understand 
Con-cise, a. brief, short 
Con-cur, n. v. to agree with 
Con-demn, a. v, to doom ; to 

blame ; to censure 
Con-dense, a. v. to make close 



a. merited,, de- 



Con-dign, 

served 
Con-dole, n. v. to mourn with 
Con-duce, n. v. to help, to 

promote ; to contribute 
Con-duct, a. v. to guide, to 

lead, to manage 
Con-fer, v, to converse, to be- 
stow, to give 
Con-fess, a. v. to acknowledge 
Con-fide, a. v. to trust in 
Confine, a. v. to limit ; to 

imprison 
Con-firm, a. v. to establish 
Con-form, n. v. to comply with 
Con-found, a. v. to perplex 
Con-front, a. v. to face 
Con-fuse, a. v. to confound 
Con-fute, a. v. to disprove 
Con-geal, a. v. to freeze 
Con-join, a. v. to put together 



To Compose sentences so as clearly to express the precise mean- 
ing, and to interest those who read, is well worthy the attention 
of every young person. This art cannot be attained without indus- 
try, but its value and beauty will be an ample recompense. Close 
application to study may be somewhat irksome for the present, but 
you will hereafter be glad to find that your teachers have acted 
like florists, who cultivate plants, or sow seeds. You are the plants 
they wish to cultivate, and your beauty and usefulness will depend, 
mainly, on the cheerfulness with which you apply yourself to their 
lessons. There is provided for you a Pictorial Grammar, which 
will furnish important information as to the art of composing sen- 
tences ; in the mean time, a general rule or two may be given, which 
you will do well to commit to memory. 

First,— due regard should be paid to the length of your sentences ; 
— if they be too short, the sense is apt to be broken ; if they be 
too long, the attention of the reader may be fatigued. A mixture 
of long and short sentences is generally most pleasing. Secondly, — 
your meaning should be expressed with clearness. Right words 
must be selected, and properly arranged, and your leading idea must 
be kept fully in view. — And, thirdly, this should be expressed with 
force. The sense must be brought out to the greatest advantage, 
that every word may have its due weight, and make a suitable im- 
pression on the mind of the reader. — Practice will enable you to 
arrange your words and sentences in the most pleasing form. 



72 



WORDS OF TWO SYLLABLES. 



Con-nect, a. v. to unite 
Con-nive, n. v. to wink at 
Con-sign, a. v. to make over 
Con-sist, n. v. to be composed of 
Con-sole, a. v. to comfort 
Con-spire, n. v. to plot together 
Con-strain, a. v. to force 
Con-struct, a. v. to build, to 

form, to complete 
Con-suit, n. v. to advise with 
Con-sume, a. v. to spend, to 

waste ; to destroy 
Con-tain, a. v. to hold to in- 
clude ; to restrain 
Con-temn, a. v. to despise 
Con-tend, n. v. to strive, to vie 
Con-tent, a. v. to satisfy 
Con-tract, v. to shrink up ; to 

bargain ; to covenant 
Con-trast, a. v. to place in 

opposition 
Control, a. v. to check 



Con-vene, a. v. to call together 
Con-verse, n. v. to talk 
Con- vert, a. v. to change 
Con-vict, a. v. to prove guilty 
Con-vince, a. v. to satisfy 
Con-vulse, a. v. to contort, to 

twist violently 
Cor-rect, a. v. to punish, to 

chastise, to set right 
Cor-rode, a. v. to eat away 
Cor-rupt, a. v. to defile, to 

vitiate ; to pervert 
Cor-rupt, a. spoiled ; putrid 
Cur- tail, a. v. to cut short 

ACCENTED ON THE FIRST. 

Dam-ask, s. flowered silk 
Dain-ty, a. delicate, nice 
Dam-age, s. mischief, injury 
Dan-ger, s. risk, hazard 
Dark-ness, s. gloom, ignorance 
Das-tard, s. a coward 




A Desert is a wilderness ; a wild, uncultivated, waste country. 
Deserts abound both in Africa and Asia. The most striking feature 
of Africa is the vast deserts which occupy its surface, and which are 
supposed to comprise one half of its whole extent. 

The Sahara, or Great Desert, is about two thousand, seven hun- 
dred miles long, and seven hundred and twenty miles broad. It is 
covered with red sand, formed into ridges like the waves of the sea. 
Their position and appearance are constantly changing from the effect 
of the wind, so that no traces of a beaten path are left, and travellers 
are obliged to shape their course by the polar star. Lions, Panthers, 
and Serpents, often of a monstrous size, add to the horror of these 
dreadful solitudes. This desert is visited also, at certain seasons, by 
a terrible burning wind, named Simoom, or Samiel, which is so 



WORDS OF TWO SYLLABLES. 



73 



Daz- 



e, a. v. to overcome 



with light 
Debt-or, s. he who owes some- 
thing to another 
De-cent, a. modest, becoming 
De-luge, 5. a flood 
De-sert, s. waste country 
Des-pot, s. an absolute prince 
Dic-tate, s. a rule, or order 
Di-et, 5. food ; an assembly 
Dis-cord, s. disagreement 
Dis-count, s. an allowance 
Dis-mal, a. dreary, gloomy 
Dis-tant, a. far off, remote 
Dis-tich, s. two lines in verse 
Dis-trict, s. a province 
Dit-ty, s. a song 
Do-cile, a. teachable 
Doc-tor, s. a learned man 
Do-lour, 5. grief, lamentation 
^Dol-phin, s. a sea fish 
Do-ncr, s. a giver or bestower 



Dor-mant, a. sleeping, inactive 
Do-tage, s. fondness, weakness 
Dra-ma, s. a stage play 
Dra-per, s. a seller of cloth 
Drow-sy, a. sleepy 
Drug-gist, s. a seller of drugs 
Due-tile, a. easily led, or drawn 
Dwin-dle, n. v. to wear away 

ACCENTED ON THE SECOND. 

De-bar, a. v. to hinder 
De-base, a. v. to degrade 
De-cant, a. v. to pour off 
De-cay, n. v. to decline, to 

wither 
De-cease, s. death 
De-ceit, s. falsehood, fraud 
De-ceive, a. v. to mislead 
De-cide, a. v. to determine 
De-claim, n. v. to speak to the 

passions of a multitude 



violent that it sometimes dries up the water contained in the skins 
borne by the camels for the use of the merchants and drivers. It is 
said that from fifty to one hundred pounds have in some cases been 
given for a draught of water. In the year 1805 a caravan, composed 
of two thousand persons, besides eighteen hundred camels, all perished 
of thirst. Vast quantities of human and other bones are foundheaped 
together in various parts of the desert, supposed to be those'of tra- 
vellers who have thus perished. 

The Desert of Mesopotamia is still more horrible. It is covered 
with burning sands and barren chalk. Wormwood, and other bitter 
herbs, cover large spaces, and banish all other plants. The waters of 
the desert are mostly saline or sulphurous, giving rise to unwholesome 
vapours and deadly winds, which suffocate those who come within 
their influence. To add to these horrors, this desert is overspread 
by Arabs, who live upon plunder, obtained from the caravans 
which carry on commerce between the adjoining countries. 

A striking proof of the wisdom and goodness of the Great 
Creator is to be found, even in these waste and howling deserts. 
There are in most of them certain beautiful spots, called Oases, cul- 
tivated, fertile, and abounding with water. These serve as watering 
places to the men, as well as to feed and refresh the hardy and patient 
camels. The caravans stop at these places a few days, and then pro- 
ceed on their journey, till they reach another spot of the same 
description. 



74 



WORDS OF TWO SYLLABLES, 



De-clare, a. v. to affirm, to 

publish ; to proclaim 
De-cline, v. to decay, to avoid 
De-cree, s. a judgment ; a law 
De-coy, a. v. to entice 
De-duet, a. v. to take away from 
De-face, a. v. to disfigure, to 

spoil, to ruin 
De-fame, a. v. to censure 

falsely; to calumuiate 
De-feat, a. v. to overthrow 
De-fect, s. a failing, a blemish 
De-fence, s. a shield ; an excuse 
De-fend, a. v. to protect 
De-fer, a. to put off, to delay 
De-file, 5. a narrow pass 
De-fine, a. v. to explain, to fix 
De-form, a. v. to disfigure 
De-fraud, a. v. to trick, to cheat 
De-fy, a. v. to challenge 
De-grade, a. v. to disgrace 
De-gree, s. quality, rank 



De-ject, a. v. to cast down 
De-lay, a. v. to put off 
De-light, s. pleasure, joy 
De-lude, a. v. to deceive 
De-mand, a. v. to claim 
De-mean, n. v. to behave, to 

debase ; to lessen] 
De-mise, s. death 
De-mur, n. v. to hesitate 
De-mure, a. grave ; affected 
De-note, a. v. to mark, to 

point out ; to indicate 
De-nounce, a. v. to threaten, 

to condemn ; to impeach 
De-part, n. v. to go away 
De-pend, n. v. to hang from, 

to rely upon ; to trust to 
De-pict, a. v. to describe, to 

paint ; to pourtray 
De-plore, a. v. to lament 
De-pone, a. v. to give evi- 
dence ; to displace 



A Defile is a long narrow passage. In military writings, every 
piece of ground with hindrances placed in the way, so that it can 



only be passed by a 
men, is called a 
roads along vallies, 
hedges, or over 
marshes. Some- 

is applied to a street 
the path over a small 
body of men, an 
passing throughsuch 
posed to great dan- 
the defile is between 
tains, which afford 
to the enemy, 
the case at the pass 
the East Indies. The 
sisting of from four- 
sand men, with se- 
and baggage cattle, 




very narrow line of 
defile. Such are 
between walls or 
dykes raised across 
times, also, the term 
in a village, and to 
bridge. A large 
army, for instance, 
a spot, must be ex- 
ger, especially where 
high rocks or moun- 
shelter and ambush 
This was fearfully 
of Khoord Cabul, in 
British army, con- 
teen to sixteen thou- 
veral hundred horses 
were closely jammed 



together near the entrance of that pass, in one huge, confused, un- 
manageable mass. The strongest men had became weak and feeble 
in eonsequence of the extreme cold and hunger which they had for 



WORDS OF TWO SYLLABLES. 



lo 



De-prave, a. v. to corrupt 
De-press, a. v. to press down 
De-prive, a. v. to take from 
De-pute, a. v. to commission 
De-ride, a. v. to mock, to ridi- 
cule, to scorn 
Des-cant, n. v. to discourse 
De-scend, n. v. to go downward 
De-scent, s. a going down, a 

slope 
Des-cry, a. v. to discover 
De-sert, a. v. to forsake 
De-sert, s. worth ; merit 
De-sign, a. v. to plan; to pur- 
pose ; to project 
De-sire, a. v. to wish for ; to 

ask, to intreat 
De-sist, n. v. to stop 
Des-patch, s. haste 
Des-pair, n. v. to lose hope 
De-pise, a. v. to disdain 
Des-pite, ad. in spite of 



Des-poil, a. v. to rob ; to be- 
reave 
Des-pond, n. v. to despair 
Des-troy, a. v. to ruin, to waste 
De-tach, a. v. to separate 
De-tail, s. a minute account 
De-tain, a. v. to keep back 
De-tect, a. v. to discover 
De-ter, a. v. to discourage 
De-test, a. v. to hate, to abhor 
De-tract, a. v. to take away ; 

to slander 
De-vise, a. v. to plan, to 

concert ; to bequeath 
De-void, a, empty ; vacant 
De-vote, a. v. to dedicate 
De-vour, a. v. to swallow up 
De-vout, a. pious ; religious, 

devoted to God 
Dif-fuse, a. v. to spread, to 

scatter, to pour out 
Dif-fuse, a. copious, extended 



days endured. Even among the cavalry, who had suffered least, some 
of the men were obliged to be lifted on their horses. In this har- 
rassed state this living mass of men and animals was obliged to 
go through this frightful pass, well knowing that an armed tribe of 
furious soldiers were waiting to deal death and destruction among 
them. The defile is about five miles long, and is shut in on either 
hand by a line of lofty hills, between the sides of which the sun 
can only now and then dart a momentary ray. A mountain tor- 
rent dashes down the middle, its edges lined with thick layers of ice 
and frozen snow, presenting an uneasy and dangerous footing for 
jaded animals. That stream the army had to cross and recross about 
twenty eight times. As they went on, the defile became narrower 
and narrower, while the natives were seen crowding the heights in 
considerable force. They soon opened a hot fire upon the advanced 
party below, with whom were several ladies ; these ladies, seeing that 
their only hope of escape was in moving rapidly, galloped forward, 
while the bullets whizzed in hundreds about their ears, until they 
were fairly out of the pass. They escaped unhurt, with the excep- 
tion of Lady Sale, who received a slight wound in the arm. Soon 
after this, a universal panic prevailed ; thousands seeking refuge in 
flight, hurried to the front, leaving baggage, arms, women, and 
children ; the crowd moved onward into the very thickest of the fire ; 
and it is supposed that about three thousand souls perished in this 
fatal defile ! Such are the miseries that result from war ! 



76 



WORDS OF TWO SYLLABLES. 



v. to dissolve, to 
soften ; to arrange 
Di-gress, n. v. to turn aside 
Di-lute, a. v. to make thin 
Di-rect, a. v. to order, to re- 
gulate ; to aim at 
Dis-band, a. v. to spread 

abroad ; to break up 
I>is-card, a. v. to dismiss, to 

displace 
Dis-cern, a. v. to see, dis- 
tinguish ; to discover 
Dis-charge, a. v. to dismiss 
Dis-claim, a. v. to disown 
Dis- close, a. v. to reveal 
Dis-course, s. a treatise; a 

sermon ; a conversation 
Dis-creet ; a. prudent 
Dis -cuss, a. v. to examine 
Dis-dain, a. v. to scorn, to 

despise, to contemn 
Dis- grace, s. dishonour 



Dis- guise ; a. v. to conceal ; 

to disfigure 
Dis-gust, s. aversion, dislike 
Dis-join, a. v. to separate 
Dis may, a. v. to terrify 
Dis -own, a. v. to deny 
Dis-pel, a. v. to dissipate 
Dis-play, a. v. to shew 
Dis-please, a. v. to offend 
Dis-pose, a. v. to incline 
Dis-pute, s. an argument 
Dis-sect, a. v. to cut up 
Dis-sent, n. v. to differ 
Dis- solve, a. v. to melt 
Dis-suade, a. v. to divert from; 

to advise against 
Dis -tort, a. v. to twist, to con- 
vulse ; to pervert 
Dis-tract, a. v. to divide ; to 

perplex ; to make mad, 
Dis-tress, a. v. to afflict 
Dis-train, a. v. to seize 




The Eagle is the 

chief of the birds of prey. 
It is regarded as the 
king of birds, on account 
of its power, the swift- 
ness of its flight, the 
height to which it soars, 
and the terror with 
which it inspires its fel- 
lows of the air. — It is so 
greedy, that a large ex- 
tent of country is necessary to furnish it with a sufficient supply of 
food, especially when it has young to provide for, at which season it 
takes to its nest a far greater quantity than it can possibly use. Pro- 
vidence, therefore, has ordained that it should be a solitary animal, 
and two pair of eagles are never found in the same neighbourhood. 
Its sight is quick, strong, and piercing ; so that it discovers its prey 
from a great height and distance, and at once pounces upon it, with 
a force which no creature can resist. 

The eagle lives and retains its powers to a great age ; and after 
moulting, it renews its vigour so surprizingly, that it seems almost 
to become young again. 



WORDS OF TWO SYLLABLES. 



Dis-trust, 5. suspicion, doubt 
Dis-turb, a. v. to disquiet 
Di-verge, n. v. to depart from 
one point [to amuse 

Di-vert, a. v. to turn away ; 
Di-vest, a. v. to strip 
Di-vine, a. godlike, not human 
Di-vorce, n. v. to put away 
Di-vulge, a. v. to make known 
Do-main, s. estate, empire 
Dra-goon, s. a horse-soldier 

ACCENTED ON THE FIRST. 

Ea-ger, a. very desirous 
Ea-gle, s. a bird of prey 
Ear-ly, ad. soon ; betimes 
E-cho, s. a return of sound 
Ec-logue, s. a pastoral poem 
E-dict, s. a decree, an order 
Ef-fort, s. an attempt, exertion 
E-gress, s. going forth 
Em-bers. s. hot cinders 



Em-blem, s. a type, a sign 
Em-met s. an ant 
Em-pire, s< supreme dominion 
Emu, s. a large bird 
En-gine, s. a machine 
En-sign, s. a flag, a standard 
En-trails, s. the bowels 
En-trance, 5. a door, an opening 
En-vy, s. pain felt at the sight 

of excellence, or happiness 
E-phod s. a linen girdle 
E-qual, a. even, alike 
Er-rand, s. a message 
Er-ror, s. a mistake 
Es-say, 5. an attempt 
'Es-cort, s. convoy, guard 
E-thics, s. moral system 
Ex-ile, s. banishment 
Ex-it, s. a departure 
Ex-port, a. v. to carry out of 

a country [to take from 
Ex- tract, a. v. to draw out ; 



The Eagle chooses the highest rocks, and the loftiest mountains, 
as the most fit places for building its nest, which is formed of a few 
simple materials. The mother bird is most kind to her young, and 
supplies them abundantly with food. She will take hares, rabbits, 
and other small animals alive, and placing them before her young, 
tear out pieces of flesh, and teach them to kill and tear animals to 
pieces for themselves. She rouses them early to exertion and 
exercise ; she carefully watches and directs their first attempts 
to fly ; she assists them when they appear weak or faint ; but when 
they are quite able to fly and to provide for themselves, she allows 
them to return no more to the parent nest. In the book of Job this is 
thus described : — " The eagle mounteth up, and maketh her nest on 
high. She dwelleth and abideth on the rock, upon the crag of the 
rocks and the strong places. From thence she seeketh the prey, 
and her eyes behold afar off. Her young ones also suck up blood.'' 

From this care of her young while helpless, and this careful train- 
ing to exertion, a fine comparison is taken by Moses to shew the 
kindness of God towards the Jews, his care for them, and the mea- 
sures he had taken to raise them from the state of weakness into 
which they had at that time fallen. " As an eagle stirreth up her 
nest, fluttereth over her young, spreadeth abroad her wings, taketh 
them, beareth them on her wings : so the Lord alone did lead him. 
He made him ride on the high places of the earth, that he might eat 
the increase of the fields." 



78 



WORDS OF TWO SYLLABLES. 



ACCENTED ON THE SECOND. 

Ec-lat, s. (ecelaw) show, lustre 
E-clipse, a. v. to darken, to 

obscure ; to becloud 
Ef-face, a. v. to destroy 
Ef-fect, s. issue ; result 
E-ject, a. v. to throw out 
E-late, a. flushed, proud 
E-lapse, n. v. to glide away 
E-lude, a. v. to escape, to 

shun [with spices 

Em-balm, a. v. to preserve 
Em-bark,w.?\ to ship; to engage 
Em-broil, a. v. to disturb 
E-mit, a. v. to send forth 
E- merge, n, v. to raise out of 
Em-pale, a, v. to enclose 
Em-ploy, a. v. to keep at work 
En-act, a. v. to decree ; to act 
En-camp, n. v. to pitch tents 
En- chant, a. v. to bewitch 



En-close, a. v. to fence in 
En- dear, a. v. to make dear 
En-dow, a. i\ to enrich 
En- due, a. v. to supply, to 
En-dure, n.v.to suffer [invest 
En-force, n. v. to strengthen 
En-gage, a. v. to employ ; to 

fight ; to win over [curve 
En-grave, a. v. to cut ; to 
En -gross, a. v. to seize the 

whole [vance 

En-hance, a. v. to raise \ to ad- 
En -join, a. v. to order ; to 

direct, to enforce 
En-rage, a. v. to provoke 
En-rol, a. v. to register 
En-sue, n. v. to follow 
En- sure, a. v. to make sure 
En-tice, a. s\ to allure 
En-tire, a, whole, complete 
En-tomb, a. v. to bury 
En- trap, a. v. to ensnare 



The Emu is found in Asia, in the Indian 
islands, in Africa, and in New Holland. 
It varies in height from five to seven feet, 
and has rather a clumsy appearance. It 
resembles the African ostrich in form, and 
in some of its habits ; but it has none of 
those beautiful plumes which distinguish 
the ostrich from all other birds. At a 
distance its feathers seem more like hair 
than plumage. On the head and neck 
they are short, and the skin, which is of 
a purpleish hue, is distinctly seen through 
them. The wings are small, and quite 
invisible, when applied to the surface of 
the body. Its food consists, chiefly, of 
fruits, roots, and herbage : it cannot eat any kind of grain, the tongue 
being so formed as not to be able to guide it down its throat. 

Though very strong, the Emu is timid and harmless ; trusting for 
its safety to its swiftness, which, in its native state, is very great. 
In New Holland it is sometimes coursed by large dogs, but the dogs 
are rather shy of their game, in consequence of some peculiar scent 
in the flesh which they dislike, and because, when hard driven, the 
bird defends itself with great vigour, by striking out with its feet, 




WORDS OF TWO SYLLABLES. 



79 



En-treat, a. v. to beg earnestly 
E-quip, a, v. to dress, to furnish 
E-rase, a. v. to rub out 
E-rect, a. v. to build, to raise 
Es-chew, a. v. to shun 
Es-cape, n. v. to get free 
Es-cort, n. v.- to guard 
Es-tate, s. possession; riches 
Es-teem, s. value ; regard 
E-vade, a. v. to avoid 
E-vent, s. any thing that hap- 
pens ; an occurrence [show 
E-vince, a. v. to prove, to 
Ex-act, a nice, correct 
Ex-alt, a. v. to lift up 
Ex-ceed, a. v. to go beyond 
Ex-cel, a. v. to out do ; to 

exceed ; to surpass 
Ex-cess, s. more than enough 
Ex-cise, s. a tax ; an impost 
Ex-cite, a. v. to stir up 
Ex-claim, n v. to cry out 



Ex-clude, a. v. to shut out 
Ex-empt, a. free from 
Ex-cuse, a. v. to remit, to 

pardon ; to vindicate 
Ex-ert, a. v. to put forth 
Ex-hale, a. v. to breathe out 
Ex-haust, a. v. to drain, to 

waste [words 

Ex-hort, a. v. to incite by 
Ex-ist, n. v. to be, to live 
Ex-pand, n. v. to spread out 
Ex-panse, s. a wide space 
Ex-pect, v. to hope 
Ex-pel, a. v. to drive out 
Ex-pend, a. v. to lay out 
Ex-pert, a. skilful, ready 
Ex-pense, s. cost, charge 
Ex-pire, n. v. to die 
Ex-plain, a. v. to illustrate 
Ex-plode, a. v. to burst ; to 

drive out with noise 
Ex-ploit. s. a successful action 



and inflicting severe blows. Dogs which are trained for the purpose 
get in front of the bird, and make a sudden spring at its neck. Its 
flesh is said to be good and sweet eating ; the eggs are highly esteemed, 
and form, during the laying season, a great portion of the subsistence 
of the natives. 

The nest of the Emu consists of a mere hollow in the earth, or 
sand. The eggs are large, with a thick hard shell of a dark green 
colour, and six or seven in number. They are sometimes left to be 
hatched by the heat of the sun ; but when this cannot be done, the 
parent birds sit [upon them, as do other birds. — A gentleman who 
watched the habits of a pair of Emus which were brought into this 
country, observed that the female at different times dropped five 
eggs in the place in which she was confined. These were collected 
in one place by the male, who rolled them gently and carefully along 
with his beak. He then sat upon them himself, and continued to 
do so with great care for nine weeks, during which time the female 
never took his place. When the young were hatched, he alone took 
charge of them, the female not appearing to notice them. In another 
case, however, the same gentleman observed that the female collected 
the eggs, and sat upon them herself. There are some Emus in this 
country, where they appear to thrive. They would form a striking 
ornament in parks and similar places. 



80 



WORDS OF TWO SYLLABLES. 



Ex-plore, a. v to search into 
Ex-port, a. v to send abroad 
Ex-pound, a. v. to explain 
Ex-press, a. v. to declare 
Ex-press, s. a messenger ; a 

message 
Ex-punge, a. v. to blot out 
Ex-tent, s. length ; compass 
Ex-tinct, a. dead ; gone 
Ex-tol, a. v. to praise highly 
Ex-tort, a. v. to take by force, 

or oppression 
Ex-tract, a. v. to draw out 
Ex-treme. a. utmost ; last 
Ex-ult, n. v. to triumph 
Ex-ude, n. v. to issue out 

ACCENTED ON THE FIRST. 

Fa-ble, s. a feigned story 
Fa-bric, s. & building 
Fac-tion, s. a party; tumult 



Fac-tor, s. an agent 
Faith-ful, a. sincere ; honest 
Faith less, a. unbelieving, false 
Fal-con, s. a hawk trained for 

sport ; a sort of cannon 
Fam-ine, s. scarcity of food 
Fsm-ish, a. v. to starve 
Fam-ous, a. celebrated 
Fan-cy, s. imagination, taste 
Fa-shion, s. form, custom 
Fa-tal, a. destructive 
Fa-vour, s. kindness, good will 
Faul-ty, a. having faults 
Fear-ful, a. afraid; awful 
Fea-ture, s. look ; appearance 
Fee-ble, a. weak, infirm 
Fe-lon, s. a criminal 
Fer-tile, a. fruitful, productive 
Fer-vent, a. warm, zealous 
Fi-bre, s. a fine thread 
Fic-kle, a. changeable 



A Fountain is, properly speak- 
ing, the source or spring head 
of waters ; but the name is gene- 
rally given to the jets, or streams, 
which flow from the fountain. 
Fountains are either natural, or 
artificial ; but the power which 
causes the water to spring forth 
is the same in both cases. All 
streams result from a pressure 
upon the water ; either the pres- 
sure of a head of water, or pres- 
sure arising from the power of 
air; when these are formed by 
the pressure of a head of water, 
the jet will spout up nearly to 
the same height as that head ; 
when produced by any other 
force, the jet will be strong and 
high in proportion to that force. 
To understand this subject more 
fully, a book on Hydraulics, or 

the force of fluids in motion, must be consulted. 

A fountain of water is valuable wherever it is found ; but it is 

especially so in Africa and the East. There, the soil, parched and 




WORDS OF TWO SYLLABLES. 



81 



Fi-nal, a. last, conclusive 
Fin-ish, a.v . to end, to complete 
Fi-nite, a. limited ; bounded 
Firm-ness, s. stability, solidity 
Fis-sure, s. a cleft, a chasm 
Fit-ness, s. suitableness 
Fla-grant, a. glaring, public 
Fla-vour, s. taste, relish 
Flim-sy, a. weak; mean 
Flip- pant, a. nimble, pert 
Flo-rid, a. blooming, flowery 
Flo-rist, s. a rearer of flowers 
Flow-er, s. blossom; ornament 
Flu-id, s. a liquid 
Flu-ent, a. quick of speech 
Flut-ter, a. v. to agitate 
Foi-ble, s. a failing [sions 
Fo-rage, v. to search for provi- 
Fo-reign, a. of another country 
Fo-rest, s. a wild woody space 
of ground 



For-feit, s. a fine, a penalty 
For-mal, a. precise ; affected ; 

regular ; proper 
For-tress, s. a stronghold 
Fos-ter, a. v. to nurse, to 

cherish, to encourage 
Fos-sil, a. dug out of the earth 
Foun-tain, s. a spring 
Frac-ture, a. v. to break 
Frail-ty, s. weakness 
Frag-rant, a. sweet-scented 
Fran-tic, a. mad, crazy 
Fren-zy, s. madness, fury 
Friend- ly, a. kind, favourable 
Frig-ate, s. a ship of war 
Fron-tier, s. a border, a limit 
Front-let, s. a band worn on 

the forehead 
Fro-ward, a. peevish, perverse 
Fruit-ful, a. bearing fruit 
Frus-trate, a. v. to disappoint 



thirsty, requires moisture to aid vegetation; and a cloudless sun, 
which heats the air, requires for both man and beast that verdure, 
shade, and air, which are its agreeable companions. The ancient 
Canaan is spoken of by Moses as "a good land, a land of brooks of 
water, of fountains and depths that spring out of valleys and hills." 
Fountains are to be met with in the East, not only in the towns and 
villages, but in the fields and gardens, and by the sides of the roads 
and of the beaten tracks on the mountains. Many of these were 
the useful gifts of humane persons while living, or have been left as 
legacies on their decease ; and many a traveller respects their 
memory, as he and his wearied animals halt to slake their thirst. 

Public fountains contribute greatly to the health and comfort of 
the population ; and in many cities and towns in Europe, as well as 
in the East, they are also rendered most agreeable to the eye. On 
some great public occasions, artificial fountains have been set up, 
and have been made to run with wine ; but there is little reason to 
believe that the real health and comfort of the people were promoted 
by such means : waste, disorder, and mischief were, but too fre- 
quently, the result. Water seems to be the drink which God has 
every where provided for man and beast. When the sacred writers 
would describe the Supreme Being as the only source of true hap- 
piness, they speak of Him as " the Fountain of living waters ;" and 
add, " Thou shalt make them drink of the river of thy pleasures, for 
with thee is the fountain of life." 



82 



WORDS OF TWO SYLLABLES. 



Fur-nace, s. an enclosed fire 
Fur-row, s. a trench [place 
Fu-ry, s. rage, passion, ex- 
treme anger, madness 
Fu-tile, a. trifling, useless 
Fu-ture, s. the time to come 

ACCENTED ON THE SECOND. 

Fa-tigue, a. v. to tire, to weary 
Fer-ment, n. v. to fret ; to 

froth ; to effervesce 
Fes- toon, s. a garland, wreath 
Fi-nance, s. income, profit 
Fo-ment, a.v. to bathe; to incite 
For-bear, n. v. to let alone 
Fore-bode, a. v. to foretell 
Fore-go, a. v. to give up 
Fore-warn, a. v. to caution 
For-give, a. v. to pardon 
For-lorn, a. wretched, hopeless 
For-sake, a. v. to leave 



For-swear, a. v. to swear falsely 
Ful-fil, a. v. to complete 

ACCENTED ON THE FIRST. 

Gab-ble, n. v. to chatter 
Gal-lant, s. brave, spirited 
Gam-bol, s. a frolic ; leap 
Gan-der, $. a male goose 
Gan-grene, s. afestering wound 
Gar-ble, a. v. to separate, to 

select ; to pervert 
Gar-gle,w.z;. to wash the throat 
Gar-land, s. a wreath of flow- 
ers ; a chaplet [dress 
Gar-ment, s. a covering, a 
Gar-ner, s. a storehouse 
Gar-nish, a. v. to adorn 
Gau-dy, a. showy, pompous 
Gel-id, a. cold ; frozen 
Gen-tile, s. a heathen 
Gen-tle, a. mild, tame, meek 



% 
fa 



To Glean is to gather ears of 
corn which have been dropped 
on the ground by the reapers, 
while in the act of cutting the 
corn, or of binding it into sheaves. 
This seems to have been a merci- 
ful provision, made by the ex- 
press command of the Great Cre- 
ator, in order that the poor might 
obtain some benefit from the 
plenty which every where pre- 
sented itself during the season of 
harvest. The right of the poor 
in Israel to go into the harvest 
field, and glean after the reapers, 
was secured by a positive law, 
-" And when ye reap the harvest of your 
land, thou shalt not wholly reap the corners of thy land, neither 
shalt thou gather the gleanings of thy harvest : thou shalt leave 
them to the poor and to the stranger." — The owners of the land did 
not, in general, admit the gleaners into the field, till after the reapers 
had cut down the corn, and bound it into sheaves ; and they usually 
chose, also, from among the poor, those whom they thought the 
most needy, or the most deserving. 




couched in these words :- 



WORDS OF TWO SYLLABLES. 



83 



Ges-ture, s. actions ; attitude 
Ghast-ly, a. pale ; frightful 
Gid-dy, a. dizzy ; unsteady ; 

thoughtless 
Gir-dle, s. a belt, a zone 
Glad-ness, s. cheerfulness, joy 
Glean-er, s. one who picks up 

things scattered 
Giim-mer, n. v. to shine faintly 
Glit-ter, n. v. to sparkle 
Gloom-y, a, obscure, dismal 
Glo-ry, s. great honour 
Glos-sy, a. smooth, shining 
Glut-ton, s. a great eater 
Grace-ful, a. beautiful, elegant 
Gra-cious, a. merciful, kind 
Gran-deur, s. greatness, splen- 
dour, magnificence 
Grate-ful, a. thankful 
Gree-dy, a. hungry ; eager ; 

covetous 
Griev-ance, s. a cause of grief 



Griev-ous, a. afflicting, dis- 
tressing [cave 
Grot-to, s. a cool and pleasant 
Ground-less, a. having no 

ground, or foundation 
Guid-ance, s. direction [crime 
Guil-ty, a. chargeable with 
Gyp-sum, s. plaster stone 

ACCENTED ON THE SECOND. 

Ga-zette, 5. a newspaper 
Gen-teel, a. polite, graceful 
Gran- dee, s. a man of great 

rank [the countenance 

Gri-mace, s. a distortion of 
Gro-tesque, a. (grotesk) wildly 

formed; uncouth 

ACCENTED ON THE FIRST. 

Hab-it, s. custom, use, dress 
Hag-gard, a. wild, lean, ugly 
Ham-let, s. a small village 



The history of Ruth, as recorded in the Bible, contains a beauti- 
ful illustration of this subject. Ruth was the daughter-in-law of a 
widow named Naomi, who was in distress. They had a relation, a 
prince of high rank in Judah, named Boaz. Ruth went to glean 
in his field. While she was engaged in picking up the ears of corn, 
she was noticed by Boaz, who having been told who she was, said 
to her,—" Go not to glean in another field, neither go from hence, 
but abide here fast by my maidens : let thine eyes be on the field 
that they do reap, and go thou after them." — "And when she began 
to glean, Boaz commanded his young men, saying, Let her glean 
even among the sheaves, and reproach her not; and let fall also 
some of the handsful on purpose for her, that she may glean them, 
and rebuke her not. So Ruth gleaned in the field until even, and 
beat out that she had gleaned, and it was about an ephah" (rather 
more than three pecks) " of barley. So she kept fast by the maidens 
of Boaz, to glean unto the end of the harvest." 

The custom of gleaning after the reapers have cleared the field, 
generally prevails in this country ; and though the poor cannot 
claim it as a right, yet he would be considered a hard hearted 
farmer who did not allow it them as a privilege. A number of 
women and children spread over a large corn field, each striving to 
gather a heap, is a very pleasing sight ; and the cheerfulness with 
which they carry home their little loads by moonlight, must be truly 
delightful to a humane proprietor. 



84 



WORDS OF TWO SYLLABLES. 



Ham-per, s. a large basket 
Ham-per, a. v. to fetter, to 

perplex [erous 

Hand-some, a. beautiful, gen- 
Han-dy, a. dexterous, skilful ; 

convenient 
Han-ker, n. v. to love, to desire 
Hap-ly, ad. perhaps 
Hap-less, a. unhappy 
Hap-py, a. pleased, blessed, 

satisfied, successful 
Har-bour, s. a port, a shelter 
Hard-ship, s. injury, fatigue 
Har-ness, s. horse furniture 
Har-rass, a. v. to annoy, to 

weary, to perplex 
Har-vest, s. time of reaping 
Hate-ful, a. worthy of being 

hated ; abominable 
Ha-tred, s. ill will, great dislike 
Ha-ven, 5. a harbour 
Haugh-ty, a. proud, lofty 



Haz-ard, s. chance, danger 
Head-long, a. rash, precipitate 
Head- strong, a. stubborn 
Heart-less, a. without courage 
Heark-en, n.v. to listen 
Hea-then, s. gentiles ; pagans 
Heed-less, a. careless, negli- 
gent; inattentive 
Hei-fer, s. a young cow 
Hein-ous. a. atrocious, wicked 
Hem-lock, s. a poisonous plant 
He-raid, s. a messenger, a 

forerunner, a proclaimer 
Herb-age, s. herbs, grass 
Her-mit, s. a solitary person 
He-ro, 5. a great warrior 
Hoa-ry, a. grey headed 
Ho-ly, a. pure, sacred [paid 
Horn-age, s. respect, service 
Home-ly, a. plain, coarse 
Ho-nest, a. upright, candid 
Ho-nour, s. dignity ; esteem 



To Honour, is to regard with reverence; to exalt to greatness ; or 
to confer some signal token of favour. Those who render great 
service to society are generally accounted worthy of honours of the 
most distinguished kind. Rich gifts are presented to them ; titles of 
dignity are conferred upon them ; and when they make their appear- 
ance in public, they are honoured by the congratulations of their 
friends, and by the applauses of the multitude. 

A striking instance of this kind is recorded in the book of 
Esther. On a certain night, Ahasuerus, the king of Persia, was 
unable to sleep. To pass away the time, he commanded his servants 
to bring the book of the records of the chronicles of the kingdom. 
On reading them it was found that Mordecai, a Jew then about the 
court, " had told of two of the king's doorkeepers, who sought to lay 
hands on the king." And the king said, "What honour and dignity 
hath been done to Mordecai for this ?" The reply was, " There is 
nothing done for him." Providence so ordered it, that at that 
moment a vain, proud man, named Haman, was in the court. He 
was a great favourite with the king, and he was also a great enemy 
to Mordecai ; chiefly because Mordecai would not pay to him that 
reverence which was due to the Creator alone. He had entered the 
palace for the purpose of "speaking to the king to hang Mordecai on 
a gallows which he had prepared for him. Before, however, he had 
time to make his wicked request, the king said to him, " What shall 
be done unto the man whom the king delighteth to honour? Now 



WORDS OF TWO SYLLABLES. 



85 



Hope-ful, a. promising, likely 
Hope-less, a. giving no hope 
Hor-rid, a. shocking, terrible 
Host-age. s. one given in pledge 
Hos-tile, a. opposite, warlike 
Hov-er, n. v. to keep near 
Hu-man, a. pertaining to man 
Hum-ble, a lowly, meek 
Hu-mid, a. damp, moist 
Hu-mour, s. whim, fancy 

ACCENTED ON THE SECOND. 

Ha-rangue, s. a speech 
Ho-tel, s, a genteel public 

lodging-house 
Hu-mane, a. kind, tender 
Huz-za ! interj. a shout of joy, 

an acclamation 

ACCENTED ON THE FIRST. 

I-dle, a. lazy, useless 
I-dol, 5. an image 



Im-port. s. meaning ; import- 
Im-post, s. a tax [ance 

lm-pulse,5. motive, force 
In-cense, s. perfume burnt 
In-come, s, rent, annuity 
In-dex, s. a table, a pointer 
In-gress, s. entrance 
In -let, 5. passage, entrance 
In-mate, s. a lodger 
In- quest, s. an inquiry 
In stance, s. example, proof 
In-sult, s. an affront 
In- voice, s. account of 
Irk- some, a. wearisome 
I-ron, s. a hard metal 
Is-land, s, (iland) a piece of 
land surrounded by water 

ACCENTED ON THE SECOND. 

Il-lude,a v. to deceive, to mock 
Il-lume, a. v. to enlighten 
Im-bibe, a. v. to drink in 




Haman thought in his heart, To 
whom would the king delight to 
do honour more than to myself ? 
and he said, For the man w^hom 
the king delighteth to honour, let 
the royal apparel be brought which 
the king useth to wear, and the 
horse that the king rideth upon, and 
the crown royal which is set upon 
his head. And let this apparel and 
horse be delivered to the hand 

v 9 



WORDS OF TWO SYLLABLES. 



Im-brue, a. to steep, to soak 
Im-mense, a. without bound 
Im-merse, a. v. to put under 

water ; to immerge 
Im-mure, a. v. to imprison | 
Im-pair, a. v. to hurt, to lessen ; 
Im-part, a v. to bestow, to give 
Im-peach, a. v. to accuse 
Im-pede, a. v. to hinder 
Im-pel, a. v. to urge, to force 
Im-pend, n. v. to hang over 
Im-pinge, n. v. to fall against 
Im-plant, a. v. to insert, to set 
Im-plore, a. v. to beseech 
Im-ply, a. v. to mean [abroad 
Im-port, a. v. to bring from 
Im-pose, a, v. to lay on 
Im-press, a. v. to stamp 
Im-print, a. v. to fix deep 
Im-prove, v. to amend 
Im-pute, a. v. to charge on 



In-cense, a. v to provoke 
In-cite, a. v. to spur on 
In-cline, n. v. to lean to 
In-clude, a. v. to contain 
In-crease, n. v. to grow 
In-cur, a. v. to become liable 
In-duce, a. v. to persuade 
In.dulge, a. v. to gratify 
In.ert, a. dull, sluggish 
In-fect, a. v. to taint, to corrupt 
In-fer, a. v. to conclude from 
In-fest, a. v. to vex, to trouble 
In-firm, a. weak, feeble 
In-flame, a. v. to heat, to excite 
In-flate, a. v. to swell with wind 
In-form, n. v. to tell, to instruct 
In-hale, a. v. to take in breath 
In-ject, a. v. to dart in [amine 
In-quire, n. v. to ask for ; to ex- 
In-scribe, a. v. to write 
In-sert, a. v. to place in 



of one of the king's most noble princes, that they may array the 
man withal whom the king delighteth to honour, and bring him on 
horseback through the street of the city, and proclaim before him, 
Thus shall it be done unto the man whom the king delighteth to 
honour." 

In all this the vanity and presumption of Haman were most 
striking. In Persia, to use the horse of the king, or to wear the 
king's own robe, much more to wear his crown or turban, was 
accounted a capital crime, and was sometimes punished with death. 
But Haman, fully supposing these honours were intended for himself, 
boldly ventured to propose them ; and the king, deeply grateful to 
Mordecai for having been the instrument of saving his life, immedi- 
ately said to Haman, — " Make haste, and take the apparel and the 
horse, as thou hast said, and do even so to Mordecai the Jew : let 
nothing fail of all that thou hast spoken. Then took Haman the 
apparel and the horse, and arrayed Mordecai, and brought him on 
horseback through the street of the city, and proclaimed before him, 
Thus shall it be done unto the man whom the king delighteth to 
honour." 

This was the first step towards Haman' s ruin. His true character 
was made known to the king, and he was, shortly afterwards, hung 
upon the very gallows he had prepared for Mordecai ! Thus was 
proved the truth of Solomon's words, — "Before destruction the 
heart of man is haughty, and before honour is humility." 



WORDS OF TWO SYLLABLES. 



87 



In-sist, n.v. to persist in, to urge 
In-spect, a. v. to look into 
In- spire, a. v. to breathe into 
In-struct, a. v. to teach, to 

direct, to inform 
In-sult, a. to offend, to taunt 
In-tend, a. v. to design 
In-tense, a. forced, ardent 
In-ter, a. v. to bury- 
In* trench, n. v. to encroach 
In-trude. n. v. to enter unin- 
vited ; to encroach [trust 
In-trust, a. v. to confide, to 
In-vade, a. v. to attack, to 

make a hostile entrance 
In-veigh, n. v. to rail against 
In-vent, a. v. to find out 
In- vert, a. v. to turn upside 

down, to place contrary 
In-vest^ a v. to dress ; to sur- 
round : to enstal 



In-vite, a. v. to bid, to allure 
In-volve, a. v. to entangle, to 

wrap round 
In-ure, a. v. to accustom 

ACCENTED ON THE FIRST. 

Jar-gon, s. idle, senseless talk 
Jas-per, s. a precious stone 
Jaun-dice, s, a disease 
Jea-lous, a. suspicious 
Jet-ty, s. a projection 
Jew-el, s. a precious stone 
Jin-gle, 11. v. to clink 
Join-ture, 5. income settled on 

a wife by her husband 
Jonah, s. a prophet of God 
Jour-nal, s. a day-book 
Junc-tion, s. an union 
Junc-ture, s. a critical time 
Jun-to, s. a cabal, a faction 
Ju-rist, s. a civil lawyer 



Jonah was a prophet who lived 
about eight hundred years before 
the coming of Christ. He was 
commanded by God to go to Nine- 
veh, a great city, and to foretell 
its destruction within forty days, 
on account of the wickedness 
of the inhabitants. In conse- 
quence, however, of the sincere re- 
pentance of the people, God was 
mercifully pleased to suspend the 
sentence he had pronounced. At, 
this Jonah was "very angry." 
" And he went out of the city, and 
there made him a booth, and sat 
under it in the shadow, till he 
might see what would become of 
the city. And the Lord God 
prepared a gourd, and made it to 
come up over Jonah, that it might 
be a shadow over his head, to deli- 
ver him from his grief. Jonah was exceeding glad of the gourd. 
But God prepared a worm when the sun arose the next day, 
and it smote the gourd that it withered." At this Jonah again 




88 



WORDS OF TWO SYLLABLES. 



Ju-ry, s. men sworn to decide 

according to evidence 
Jus-tice, s. right, equity 

ACCENTED ON THE SECOND. 

Ja-pan, s. work varnished 
Jo-cose, a. merry, humorous 

ACCENTED ON THE FIRST. 

Keen-ly, ad. sharply, severely 
Ken-nel, s. a place for dogs 
Ker-nel, s. the substance 

within a shell 
Ker-sey, 5. a coarse cloth 
Kid-nap, a. v. to steal 
Kin-die, a. v. to set on fire 
Kind-ness, s. favour, good will 
Kin-dred, a. related to 
King-dom, s. dominion of a 

king, a region 
Kins-man, s. a male relation 



Knav-ish, a. dishonest, wicked 
Know-ledge, s. learning, skill 

ACCENTED ON THE FIRST. 

La-bel, s. a slip of writing 
La-bour, 5. work, pains, effort 
Lam-bent, a. playing about 
Lan-cet, 5. a surgical instru- 
ment [an innkeeper 
Land-lord, s. the owner of land ; 
Land-scape, s. a prospect 
Lan-guage, 5. human speech 
Lan-guid, a. faint, weak 
Lan-guish, n. v. to pine away 
Law-ful, a. according to law 
Learn-ing, 5. knowledge gained 
Lec-ture, s. a discourse 
Le-gal, a. according to law 
Le-gend, s. tale ; inscription 
Lei-sure, s. spare time 
Lev-el, a. even, flat 



complained bitterly, and even tried to justify his auger. God, 
however, kindly reproved him ; and shewed him that if such strong 
feelings, either of pleasure or regret, were produced in his mind 
towards a plant which hastily sprung up out of the earth, and soon 
disappeared, surely, to spare the inhabitants of that vast city, was a 
matter worthy the concern of a God of mercy, and one about which 
his servant ought not for a moment to complain. 

The plant which is here called the gourd, is supposed to have 
been the tree called palma christi. It rises, with a strong, soft 
stalk, to the height of ten or twelve feet ; is furnished with very 
large leaves, and bears berries from which are pressed out a quantity 
of oil. The plant prepared for Jonah was, no doubt, an extraordi- 
nary one ; remarkably rapid in its growth ; remarkable for the 
extensive spread of its leaves, and the deep gloom of their shadow ; 
and remarkable, also, for a sudden withering, and a total uselessness 
to the impatient prophet. 

"We may learn from this part of the historyof Jonah, not to set 
too high a value upon any earthly comforts or possessions. We 
should be very thankful to God when he allows us to enjoy them ; 
but if He see fit, even suddenly, to take them away from us, we 
should resign them without murmuring, and seek, above every 
thing, His favour, which is a portion that shall endure for ever. 



WORDS OF TWO SYLLABLES. 



89 



Le-ver, s. a bar for lifting 
Li-bel, s. a slander ; a satire 
Li-cence, s. liberty, permission 
Light-house,s.a signal to guide 

ships at sea 
Light-ning, 5. the flash which 

attends thunder 
Limp-id, a. clear, pure 
Lim-it, s. a border, a bound 
Lin-guist, s. one skilled in 

languages 
Li-quor, s. a fluid ; strong drink 
Liv-id, a. discoloured 
Lo-cal, a. relating to place 
Lo-cust, s. a devouring insect 
Lo-gic, s. the art of reasoning 
Lo-tion, 5. a medical wash 
Low-ly, a. humble, meek 
Loy-al, a. true, faithful 
Lu-cid, a. bright, clear 
Lu-cre, s. profit, gain 



Lu-nar, a. relating to the moon 
Lus-cious, a. very sweet 
Lus-tre, s. brightness 
Ly-ric, 5. relating to the harp 

ACCENTED ON THE SECOND. 

La-ment, n. v. to mourn 
Lam-poon, s. a scornful satire 
Las-so, s. a long cord 

ACCENTED ON THE FIRST. 

Mag-net, s. a loadstone 
Mam-mon, s. gain, riches 
Man-age, a. v. to rule, to order 
Ma-nor, 5. a territory 
Man-sion, 5. a dwelling-house 
Mar-gin, s. the edge, brink 
Marks-man, 5. a skilful shooter 
Mar-riage, s. a wedding 
Mar-shal, a. v. to arrange, to 
put in order 



The Lasso.— Of the various modes in which wild animals are 
caught alive, there is none more curious, or in which more dexterity 
is displayed, than that of taking buffaloes, and other large cattle, on 
the extensive plains of South America. The chief instrument 
employed is a long cord, called a lasso, which is made of leathern 
thongs, with a running noose, or slip-knot, at the farther end. It is 
used by the hunter on horseback, the near end being attached to a 




hook fixed to the saddle. The hunter (or Gaucho, as he is called in 
the language of the country) carries the lasso gathered in large coils 
in his right hand, till he approaches sufficiently near the object of 
pursuit. He then, with an expertness which can be acquired only 
by constant practice, throws the line from his hand with such a 
correct aim, that the noose falls over the horns or neck of the animal. 



90 



WORDS OF TWO SYLLABLES. 



Mar-tial, a. warlike, bold 
Mar-tyr, s. one who dies in 

defence of his belief 
Mar-vel, s. a wonder 
Mas-sy, a. weighty, solid 
Match-less, a. unequalled 
Ma-tron, s. a mother 
Mat-tress, s. a quilted bed 
Max-im, s. a leading truth 
Mea-gre, a. thin, lean 
Med-al, s. an ancient coin ; a 

piece of stamped metal 



Meek-ness, 



mildness, 



gen- 



tleness ; placidness 
Mel-low, a. ripe, soft 
Mem-brane, 5. a fibrous web 
Men-ace, a. v. to threaten 
Men-tal, a. belonging to the 

mind, ideal 
Mer-cer, s. a dealer in silks 
Mer-chant, s. a trader 
Mer-cy, s. pity, tenderness 
Mes-sage, s. an errand 



Mes-suage, s. a house and 

ground 
Met-al, s. a hard substance 
Me-thod, s. order, manner 
Met-tle, s. spirit, courage 
Me-tre, s. measure, verse 
Migh-ty, a. powerful, strong 
Mild-ness, s. gentleness, meek- 
ness, tenderness 
Mind-ful, a, attentive 
Mi-mic, a. v. to imitate 
Min-gle, a. v. to mix, to blend 
Min-strel, s. a musician 
Mis-chief, s. hurt, injury 
Mi-ser, s. a covetous person 
Mod-el, 5. a mould, a pattern 
Mod-ern, a. new, recent 
Mod-est, a. chaste, bashful 
Mois-ture, s. dampness, juice 
Mo-ment, s. an instant 
Mon-arch, s. a sovereign 
Mon-strous, a. strange, mar- 
vellous, wonderful 



The hunter immediately wheels his well-trained horse on one side, 
and causes him to lean away from the direction the beast takes on 
finding itself held fast by the cord, and so resists the sudden jerk 
caused by the whole lasso being drawn tight. As soon as the beast 
falls, the hunter sets off at a gallop, and, by dragging it along the 
ground, prevents it from regaining its feet, till he has brought it to 
a place of security, or obtained assistance from other hunters. 

The same skilful persons catch ostriches, and other game, on the 
plains, by launching from their hand a cord, to each end of which a 
heavy leaden or iron ball is attached. The cord, held by the middle, 
is swung round and round the head to give the balls a sufficient 
impetus, or force of motion, to carry them far enough. When the 
balls reach the bird, the line winds round its legs or neck, and 
either throws it down, or impedes its progress, till the hunter can 
come up and secure it. There are various other ways in which the 
genius of man captures and subdues the most powerful, ferocious, 
and swift-footed animals, with which, in bodily strength alone, he 
could not for an instant compete. Thus, in every part of the globe, 
we see that man, whatever be his condition, has, according to the 
decree of the Almighty at the creation of the animal world,— "domi- 
nion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over 
the cattle, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth." 



WORDS OF TWO SYLLABLES. 



91 



Mo-ral, a. relating to manners 
Mor-bid, a. sick, diseased 
Mor-sel, s. a small piece 
Mor-tal, a. human, deadly 
Mort-gage, a. v. to pledge 
Mo-tive, 5. that which deter- 
mines the choice 
Mot-ley, a. speckled, mixed 
Mot- to, 5. a short sentence 
Mourn-ful, a. sorrowful, sad 
Moun-tain, s. a large hill 
Mum-my, s. a preserved body 
Mur-mur, n. v. to complain 
Mus-cle, s. a fleshy fibre 
Mus-ket, s. a hand-gun 
Mus-lin, 5. fine cloth 
Mut-ter, n. v. to murmur 
Mut-ton, s. sheep's flesh 
Myr-tle, s. a fragrant shrub 
Mys-tic, a. secret, dark 



ACCENTED ON THE SECOND. 

Ma-chine, s. an engine 
Main-tain, a. v. to support 
Ma-lign, a. unfavourable, 

malicious, fatal [land 

Ma-nure, s. nourishment for 
Ma-rine, a. belonging to the 

sea ; a sea soldier 
Ma-ture, a. ripe, perfect 
Me-moir, s. a short history 
Mi-nute, a. small, exact 
Mis-deed, s. an evil action 
Mis-lead, a. v. to lead wrong 
Mis-rule, s. tumult, disorder 
Mis-take, s. an error 
Mis -trust, s. suspicion 
Mo-lest, a. v. to disturb 
Mo-rass, s. a marsh, a bog 
Mo-rose, a. sour, peevish 



The Marriage Ceremony in the East was commonly performed 
in the open air. The bride was placed under a canopy, supported 
by four youths, and adorned with jewels according to the rank of 
the persons married ; all the company crying out in a joyful voice, 




« Blessed be he that cometh." It was anciently the custom, when 
the ceremony was at an end, for the father and mother and kindred 
of the woman to pray for a blessing on the parties. After the 
blessing, the bride was conducted with great pomp to the house of 
her husband; and as the procession moved along, money, sweet- 






92 



WORDS OF TWO SYLLABLES, 



ACCENTED ON THE FIRST. 

Na-tal, a. relating to birth 
Na-tion, s. a distinct people, 

a country ; a great number 
Na-tive, a. natural, original, 

born in a place 
Na-ture, s. disposition 
Nee-dy, a. poor, distressed 
Negro, s. a black, a moor 
Nerv-ous, a. relating to the 

nerves ; strong ; vigorous 
Nim-ble, a. active, swift 
No-ble, a. grand, generous 
Noi-some, a. hurtful, offensive 
Nor-mal, a. regular, by rules 
No-ted, a. well-known 
No-tice, s. a warning, attention 
No-tion, s. idea, opinion 
No-vel, a. new, unusual 
No-vice, s. a beginner [port 
Nou-rish, a. v. to feed, to sup- 



Nup-tials, s. marriage 
Nur-ture,s. support; education 
Nut-meg, s. an Indian spice 

ACCENTED ON THE FIRST. 

Ob-long, «. longer than broad 
O-cean, 5. the great sea 
O-dour, s. scent, smell 
Of-fal, s. refuse, waste meat 
Of-fer, 5. a tender, a proposal 
Of-fice, 5. business, duty, em- 
ployment ; a room 
Off-spring, s. children, progeny 
Oint-ment, s. salve, balsam 
O-live, s. a small fruit 
O-men, 5. a sign, a token 
On-set, s. an attack, assault 
O-nyx, s. a precious stone 
Op-tics, s. the science of vision 
Op-tion, s. choice, election 
O-ral, a. spoken 
Or-bit, s. course, circuit 



meats, flowers, and other articles, were thrown amongst the sur- 
rounding people, which they caught in cloths made for that occa- 
sion, stretched in a particular manner upon frames. 

It was the custom among the ancient Greeks, and the nations 
around them, to conduct the newly-married couple to their dwelling 
with torches and lamps. A similar custom is still observed amongst 
the Hindoos. The husband and wife, on the marriage-day, are 
placed in the same palanquin, or hand-carriage, and, accompanied 
by their kindred ancPfriends, with music, in the evening are borne 
through the streets and public thoroughfares. The young females 
who bear the torches, which are formed of linen, have in one hand 
a vessel containing oil, from which the torch is supplied when it 
grows dim. 

Jewish marriages seem to have been arranged in the same way. 
In the parable of the " ten virgins," delivered by Christ, a very 
pointed allusion is made to such processions : " They that were 
foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them ; but the wise 
took oil in the vessels with their lamps. While the bridegroom 
tarried 1 ' — meaning that he was with the procession — " they all slum- 
bered and slept. And at midnight there was a cry made : Behold 
the bridegroom cometh ; go ye out to meet him. Then all those 
virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said unto 
the wise, Give us of your oil, for cur lamps are gone out." 



WORDS OF TWO SYLLABLES. 



93 



Or-der, s. command ; method 
Out-rage, s. violence, injury 
Or-phan s. a fatherless child 
O-vert, a. open, manifest 
O-val, a. shaped like an egg 
Oys-ter, s. a shell-fish 

ACCENTED ON THE SECOND. 

O-bey, a. v. to submit to 
Ob-ject, n. v. to oppose 
O-blige, a. v. to bind, to com- 
pel ; to favour, to gratify 
Ob-lique, a. slant, crooked 
Ob-scene, a. immodest, filthy 
Ob-scure, a. dark, gloomy 
Ob-serve, a. v. to see, to watch 
Ob-tain, a. v. to gain, to get 
Ob-trude, a. v. to thrust into 
Ob-tuse, a. blunt, stupid 
Oc-cult, a. secret, hidden 
Oc-cur, n. v. to happen 



Of-fence, 5. crime, injury 
Of- fend, a. p. to make angry 
O-mit, a. v. to leave out 
0-paque,#. (opake) dark,shady 
Op-pose, a. v. to act against 
Op-press, a. v. to crush, to 
overburden [establish 

Or-dain, a. v. to appoint, to 

ACCENTED ON THE FIRST. 

Pa-gan, s. a heathen 
Pal-ace, s. a royal residence 
Pal-ate, s. the organ of taste 
Pal-try, a. mean, pitiful 
Pam-phlet, s. a small book 
Pam-per, a. v. to indulge 
Pan-dect, s. a treatise, a dis- 
course, a digest 
Pan-ic, s. sudden fear 
Pan-ther, s. a beast of prey 
Par-boil, a. v. to boil in part 



A Mummy is a dead body preserved by the art of embalming 
In ancient times it was a custom, in Egypt and some other countries, 
to preserve the bodies of deceased relatives and friends in a perfect 
state, so far as regarded their outward appearance. This was effected 
by filling the body with rich-scented substances, which process was 




called embalming. One of the substances was a sort of wax, called 
in the Arabic language mum ; and from this circumstance a body 
preserved with mum, or a similar material, was called a mum ; from 
which is derived the English term mummy. When the process was 



94 



WORDS OF TWO SYLLABLES. 



Parch-ment, s. sheep - skins 

dressed for writing upon 
Par-don, s. forgiveness [talk 
Par-ley, n. v. to converse, to 
Par-rot, s. a handsome bird 
Par-tial, a. too much inclined 

to one side ; attached 
Par-ty, s. a select company 
Pas-sage, s. road, voyage; part 

of a book 
Pas-sion, s. anger, zeal 
Pas-sive, a. unresisting 
Pas-tor, s. a shepherd, a ruler 
Pas-ture, s. grass land 
Pa-tent, s. a grant, a right 
Pa-thos, s. tender feeling 
Pa-tience, s. calm endurance 
Pa-tient, a. calmly, diligent 
Pa-tron, s. an encourager 
Pea-sant, s. a rural labourer 



Ped-ant, 5. a man vain of his 

knowledge 
Ped-lar, s. a petty dealer 
Pee-vish, a. cross, fretful 
Pe-nal, a. inflicting punish- 
Pen-dant, s. a small flag [ment 
Pen-dent, a. hanging 
Pen-sion, s. an allowance 
Pen-sive, a. sad, thoughtful 
Per-fect, a. complete 
Pe-ril, s. danger, hazard 
Pe-rish, n. v. to decay, to die 
Per-jure, n.v. to swear falsely 
Pha-lanx, s. a close body 
Phan-tasm, s. a delusion 
Phan-tom, s. a fancied vision 
Phi-al, s. a small bottle 
Phy-sic, s. medicine 
Pig-my, s. a dwarf 
Pil-fer, a, v. to steal, to filch 



completed, the body was placed, and shut up, in a wooden case, made 
in the form of a man : similar cases are represented in the annexed 
cut. There were several modes of embalming. One, which was 
very expensive, and used only with the bodies of rich and great 
persons, consisted in first extracting the brain and inner parts through 
very small apertures cut in the head and body, and filling up the 
cavities with precious gums and perfumes, which, aided by a chemi- 
cal mixture in which the bodies were steeped for a certain number of 
days, preserved the frame and features as perfect as they were during 
life. The other modes were practised with the bodies of poor people ; 
and such as were thus embalmed retained but very little of their 
natural substance and features. One very remarkable part of the 
Egyptian process was the bandaging. The bandages were formed of 
linen, each several feet long, and applied one over the other fifteen 
or twenty times. 

In some parts of South America many mummies have been found ; 
but these were preserved by a peculiar quality of the soil, in which 
they were interred for a certain time. 

The Egyptians were used to embalm those animals; they deemed 
9acred, as well as their own species ; for instance, the monkey, bat, 
dog, cat, lion, wolf, crocodile, bear, and many other creatures. The 
specimens of such, many of which have been preserved to our time, 
prove that though the ancient Egyptians were wonderfully expert in 
some things, they were sadly wanting in true wisdom ; for they 
P changed the truth of God into a lie," and worshipped and revered 
the creature more than the Creator. 



WORDS OF TWO SYLLABLES. 



95 



Pil-lage, a. v. to plunder, to rob 
Pi-lot, s. one who steers a 

ship ; a guide 
Pi-rate, s. a sea robber 
Pis-tol, s. a small hand-gun 
Pit-tance, 5. an allowance 
Pi-ty, s. compassion 
Pla-cid, a. gentle, mild 
Plain-tiff, s. a complainant 
Plain-tive, a. complaining 
Plan-tain, s. a tree 
Plat-form, s. a raised floor 
Plau-dit, s. applause, praise 
Plea-sure, s. delight 
Pli-ant, a. bending ; supple 
Plu-mage s. feathers 
Plun-der, a, v. to rob, to strip 
Plu-ral, a. more than one 
Poach-er,s.one who steals game 
Poig-nant, a. sharp, painful 



Pol-ish, a. v. to brighten 
Pom-pous, a. splendid, showy 
Pon-der, n. v. to consider 
Por-trait, s. a picture 
Por-tion, s. a part, a share 
Pos-ture, s. an attitude 
Po-tent, a. powerful 
Pow-er, s. strength, ability, 

command, influence 
Prac-tice, s. habit, custom 
Pray-er, s. a petition, entreaty 
Pre-cept, s. rule, command 
Pre-cious, a. valuable, costly 
Pre -face, s. an introduction 
Pre-late, s. sl bishop 
Pre-lude, s. an introduction 
Pre-sage, s. a foreboding 
Pre-sent, s. a gift 
Pre-sume, n. v. to suppose ; 

to venture 



The Plantain is a tree of great value 
in tropical countries. It has several vari- 
eties. That most in use, called the Ba- 
nana, bears a fruit which forms the prin- 
cipal subsistence of the inhabitants. It 
is produced, from among the very large 
leaves, in bunches which weigh from 
thirty to eighty pounds. It differs in 
shape and colour, but is usually long and 
narrow, and of a yellow or red colour, 
the flesh being yellow and mealy. The 
fruit is nourishing ; it is used as bread 
is in this country, and appears better 
suited to those who reside in hot climates. 
The modes of eating it are various. The 
best sorts are served up at table raw, and 
are said to be superior in flavour to the 
finest pear or apple. Sometimes they are 
baked in their skins, and then they re- 
semble the best stewed pears. 
The Plantain is useful for other purposes, besides being an indis- 
pensable article of food. From its stem is obtained a tough fibre, 
capable of being made into thread of great fineness. The leaves, 
from their breadth and hardness, form an excellent material for the 
thatch of cottages. The young shoots are eaten as a delicate vege- 




-'W 



table. 



96 



WORDS OF TWO SYLLABLES. 



Pri-mate, s. an archbishop 
Pri-vate, a. secret, retired 
Pro-cess, s. progress, course 
Pro-duct, s. result, fruit 
Prof-fer, s. an offer, proposal 
Pro-file, s. the side face 
Pro-fit, s. gain, benefit 
Pro-gress, s. motion forward 
Pro-ject, 5. a plan, design 
Pro-logue, s. a preface 
Pro-phet, s. one who foretells 
Pros-pect, s. a view [flourish 
Pros-per, n. v. to thrive, to 
Pros-trate, a. lying at length 
Pro-test, s. solemn declaration 
Pro- verb, s. a maxim, a saying 
Prow-ess, s. bravery, courage 
Prox-y, s. a deputy 
Pru-dence, s. discretion 
Pru-dent, a. discreet [songs 
Psal-mist, s. a writer of holy 



Psal-ter, s. a psalm book 
Pub-lish; a. v. to make known 
Pul-pit, s. a preacher's desk 
Pun-gent, a: sharp, piercing 
Pun-ish, a. v. to chastise 
Pur-blind, a. short sighted 
Pur-port, s. design, meaning 
Pur-pose, s. intention, design 
Puz-zle, a. v. to perplex 

ACCENTED ON THE SECOND. 

Pa-rade, s. show, display 
Pa-role, s. word of honour 
Par-take, s. to share 
Par-terre, s. a flower garden 
Pa-trol, s. a moving guard 
Per-form, a. v. to do, to fulfil 
Per-fume, a. v. to scent 
Per-plex, a. v. to disturb, to 

puzzle, to confuse 
Per-sist, ??. v. to persevere 



A Pulpit is a raised place, upon 
which a speaker stands to address 
a multitude. In the book of Ne- 
hemiah it is said that Ezra, on a 
certain occasion, received a com- 
mand from God to gather the peo- 
ple of Israel together, in order that 
His commands, as contained in 
the law of Moses, might be read 
to them. All persons, male and 
female, " who could hear with un- 
derstanding, 1 ' were collected toge- 
ther in one of the principal streets 
of Jerusalem. " Ezra then stood 
upon a pulpit of wood, which had 
been made for the purpose ;" hav- 
ing on each side of him a number 
of priests and Levites. " And he 
opened the book of the law in the 
sight of all the people, (for he was 
above all the people,) and when he 
opened it all the people stood up. 
And Ezra blessed the Lord, the 
great God. And all the people answered Amen, amen, with lifting 




WORDS OF TWO SYLLABLES. 



97 



Pers-pire, n. v. to sweat 
Per-suade a. v. to influence by 

agreement or advice 
Per-vade, a. v. to go through 
Per-verse, a. obstinate 
Per-vert, a. v. to turn from 

the right, to corrupt 
Pe-ruse, a. v. to read over 
Post-pone, a. v. to put off 
Pre-cede, a. v. to go before 
Pre-cise, a. exact, formal 
Pre-clude, a. v. to shut out 
Pre-dict, a. v. to foretell 
Pre-fer, a. v. to select, to exalt 
Pre-fix, a. v. to place before 
Pre -judge, a. v, to judge be- 
Pre-mise, a. v. to preface [fore 
Pre -pare, a. v. to make ready 
Pre-sage, a. v. to forbode 
Pres-cribe, a. v. to order, to 

direct 



Pre-serve, a. v. to keep, to 

protect 
Pre-side, n. v. to rule over 
Pre-sume, n. v. to suppose 
Pre-tence, s. false show 
Pre-tend, n. v. to feign 
Pre- vail, a. v. to overcome 
Pre-vent, a. v. to hinder 
Prin-cess, s. a king's daughter 
Pro-ceed, n. v. to go forward 
Pro-claim, a. v. to tell openly 
Pro-cure, a. v. to obtain 
Pro-duce, a. v. to bring forth 
Pro-fane, a. wicked, unholy 
Pro-fess, a. v. to declare 
Pro-found, a. deep, learned 
Pro-fuse, a. lavish, prodigal 
Pro-ject, v. to throw out, to 

contrive 
Pro-lix, a. long, tedious 
Pro-long, «. v. to lengthen out 



up their hands : and they bowed their heads, and worshipped the 
Lord, with their faces to the ground." The people then stood 
again in their places, and the priests and Levites " read in the book 
of the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused the 
people to understand the reading." 

That which is called " a pulpit," seems to have been a scaffold or 
platform, similar to those which are used in the present day when 
large crowds are to be addressed, whether in the open air, or in 
some suitable building. It was not uncommon in this country, in 
large open spaces of ground, such as market-places and church- 
yards, to have what were called 'preaching crosses, which consisted 
of a pulpit raised some feet above the ground, with a canopy over 
the head of the speaker, from which sermons were delivered in the 
open air. Some of the hearers sat upon the steps, or upon very 
rude benches, but the greater portion stood in front of t&e pulpit. 
The inhabitants of the houses adjoining listened from their win- 
dows, at which were sometimes seen seated many of the gentry and 
nobility. 

The name pulpit is now generally given to the higher desk in a 
church or chapel, where the minister stands to preach a sermon, — 
distinct from the lower desk, in which the reader or clerk stands. 
Great expense is often bestowed upon the erection of such pulpits,, 
they being richly carved, and decked with velvet cushions, gold 
trimmings, and other costly ornaments. 



■■ 



98 



WORDS OF TWO SYLLABLES. 



Pro- mote, a. v. to help, to exalt 
Pro-mulge, a. v. to publish 
Pro-nounce, a. v. to speak 
Pro-pel, a, v. to push forward 
Pro-pose, a. v. to offer 
Pro-rogue, a. v. to put off 
Pro-scribe, a. v. to denounce 
Pro-tect, a. v. to defend 
Pro-test, v. to declare solemn- 
ly, to give evidence 
Pro -tract, a, v. to delay 
Pro-trude, v. to thrust forward 
Pro- vide, a. v. to procure 
Pur-loin, a. v. to steal, to pilfer 
Pur-sue, a. v. to follow, to hunt 
Pur-suit, s. a hunt, a chase 
Pur-vey, a. v. to procure 

ACCENTED ON THE FIRST. 

Quag-mire, s. a bog 
Quaint-ly,ad. nicely; precisely 



Quar-rel, s. a dispute, a fight 
Quar-ry, s. a stone mine 
Qua-ver, s. a shake of the voice 
Que-rist, s. an enquirer 
Que-ry, s. a question 
Quib-ble, s. an evasion, a pun 
Quick-ly, ad. speedily, nimbly 
Quo -rum, 5. a special number 
Quo-ta, s. a share [division 
Quo-tient, s. the result of a 

ACCENTED ON THE FIRST. 

Rab-bet, s. a joint 
Rab-bit, s. a furry animal 
Rab-ble, s. rude noisy people 
Rack-et, s. clattering noise 
Rad-ish, s. a root 
Rai-ment, s. dress, clothing 
Rai-sin, 5. a dried grape 
Ral-ly, v. to recover [der 

Ram-ble, n. v. to rove, to wan- 



A Record is a register laid up or entered in a court or public office. 
Books of record, or chronicles, were kept in ancient times, in which 
were choice and wise laws or maxims, or matters of importance rela- 
tive to the state. This was the case in the courts of the Hebrew 
kings ; and the practice prevailed also in other nations ; but none 
seem to have taken such pains as the Persians to preserve the memory 
of their doings by written records. When the Jews, captives in 
Persia, were about to repair the ruins of their beloved city, their 
enemies opposed it, and wrote a letter to Artaxerxes, the king, in 
which they petitioned him in these words, — " That search may be 
made into the book of the records of thy fathers : so shalt thou find 
in the book of the records, and know that this city is a rebellious 
city, and that they have moved sedition within the same of old time." 
The king, in consequence, had the records searched, and found as 
they had said, and prevented Jerusalem at that time from being 
recovered from its ruins. 

On another occasion, when a plot against the life of Artaxerxes 
was discovered by Mordecai, the two men who laid the plot were 
taken and hanged, " and it was written in the book of the chronicles 
before the king." Some time after, on a night when the king could 
not sleep, this record was read to him ; and it being found that no 
reward had been bestowed on Mordecai, the richest honours were 
decreed to him. The elevation of Mordecai, the downfal of Haman, 
the preservation of the Jews, and the destruction of their principal 



WORDS OF TWO SYLLABLES. 



99 



Ram-part, s. a wall of defence 
Ran-cour, s. hatred, malice 
Ran-sack, a. v. to search, to 

plunder, to rummage 
Ran-som, a. v. to buy off 
Ra-pid, a. swift, quick 
Ra-pine, s. plunder, force 
Rap-ture, s. excessive joy 
Rea-dy, a. prepared, willing 
Rea-son, s. intellect, motive 
Re-bus, s. a riddle 
Re-cent, a. new, fresh 
Rec-ord, s. a register 
Rec-tor, s. a ruler, minister 
Re-fuge, 5. shelter, protection 
Re-fuse, s. worthless remnant 
Re-gal, a. royal, kingly 
Re-gent, s. a deputy ruler 
Re-lics, s. remains 
Re-lict, s. a widow 



Re-lish, s. taste, flavour 
Rem-nant, s. that which is left 
Rep-tile, s. a creeping thing 
Re-script, 5. imperial edict 
Re- spite , a . v . to put off [cover 
Res-cue, a. v. to set free; to re- 
Rest-less, a. unquiet, unsettled 
Rev-el, n. v. to feast riotously 
Ri-gid, a. stiff, severe 
Ri-gour, 5. severity 
Ri-ot, s. an uproar, tumult 
Ri-val, s. a competitor 
Roy-al, a. kingly, regal 
Rug-ged, a. rough, uneven 
Ru-in, a. v. to destroy, to lay 

waste ; to make poor 
Ru-mour, s. a report 
Rup-ture, s. a breach 
Rus-tic, a. rural, clownish 
Ruth-less, a. without pity 



enemies,all arose from 
the preservation of 
this record. 

It was the custom, 
also, to record most 
of the sayings and 
dj|ings of wise or 
great men. Amongst 
the Persians, all that 
the king did or said 
was thought worthy 
of being registered. 
He was usually sur- 
rounded by scribes, whose duty it was to take note of his words and 
actions ; they were rarely absent from him, and always attended him 
when he appeared in public. They had to register all his edicts and 
commands ; which were written in his presence, sealed with his ring, 
and sent forth by his messengers. From these records, carefully 
preserved, a great portion of the history of the empire was afterwards 
compiled. 

The books of chronicle or records, of which mention is made in the 
Bible and other ancient histories, bore but little resemblance to those 
Volumes to which that name is now given. Some of these records 
were written on stone or ivory ; some on tablets of wood covered with 
wax ; some on the leaves and bark of trees ; some on linen ; and 




100 



WORDS OF TWO SYLLABLES. 



ACCENTED ON THE SECOND. 

Re-bate, s. discount 
Re-bel, a. v. to resist 
Re-bound, n. v. to fly back 
Re-buff, a. v. to beat back 
Re-buke, a. v. to reprove 
Re-cal a. v. to call back 
Re-cant, a. v. to unsay 
Re-cede, n. v. to fall back 
Re-ceive, a. v. to accept, to 

admit, to take 
Re-ceipt, s. an acquittance ; a 

prescription 
Re-cess, s. a place of secresy 
Re -cite, a. v. to repeat 
Re-claim, a. v. to reform, to 

change for the better 
Re-cline, n. v. to lean back 
Re-cluse, a. shut up 



to 



to 



Re-coil, n. v. to fly back 
Re -cord, a. v. to register 
Re-count, a. v. to relate 
Re-course, $. application 
Re-cruit, a. v. to repair 
Re-cur, n. v. to return, 

have recourse to 
Re-deem, a. v. to ransom 
Re-dress, s. relief, amends 
Re-duce, a. v. to lessen, 

degrade, to subdue 
Re-fe'r, n. v. to direct, consult 
Re -fine, a. v. to purify 
Re-fit, a. v. to fit again [back 
Re-flect, n.v. to think, to cast 
Re-form, v. to make better 
Re-frain, n. v. to hold back 
Re-fresh, a. v. to revive 
Re-fute, a. v. to disprove 
Re-gale, a. v. to feast 



many on the skins of animals, in the form of either leather or 
parchment. The rolls, or volumes, were composed of several sheets 
rolled upon a stick, or fastened together with fine cord. Some of 
these rolls were very long, and the reader unrolled them with one 
hand as he read on, and rolled them back with the other. Those 
written on wood, or metal, or ivory, were fastened together by rings 
at the back, through which rings a rod was passed by which to carry 
them. 

An interesting fact is recorded in the book of Jeremiah. The 
prophet was directed to take "a roll of a book,' 1 and write down a 
number of threatening s against Israel, in the hope of bringing them 
to repent of their evil doings. This was done, and Baruch was sent 
to read it to the people. Some of the princes asked Baruch, " How 
didst thou write all these words at the mouth of Jeremiah. ? And 
Baruch said, He pronounced all these words to me with his mouth, 
and I wrote them with ink in the book.'' The roll was, shortly 
afterwards, read to Jehoiakim, who was greatly displeased with its 
contents, " and after Jehudi had read three or four leaves, he cut it 
with a penknife, and cast it into a fire that was on the hearth, until 
all the roll was consumed." — The merciful intention of Jehovah in 
sending these warnings having been thus frustrated by the additional 
wickedness of the rulers of the people, He commanded his prophet to 
write another roll, in which all the former threatenings were repeated, 
with the addition of several threatenings still more fearful. For, 
" who hath hardened himself against God, and hath prospered?" 



WORDS OF TWO SYLLABLES. 



101 



Re-gard, s. esteem, care 
Re-gret, v. to repent 
Re-ject, a. v. to cast off 
Re-lapse, 5. a falling back 
Re-late, a. v. to tell, to recite 
Re-lease, a. v. to set free 
Re-lent, v. to melt, to soften 
Re-lief, s. help, succour 
Re-lieve, a. v. to assist 
Re-ly, n. v. to depend on 
Re-main, n. v. to continue 
Re-mand, a. v. to send back 
Remark, n. v. to observe 
Re-mind, a. v. to put in mind 

afresh 
Re-miss, a. careless [send away 
Re-mit, a. v. to pardon ; to 
Re-morse, s. deep regret 
Re-mote, a. far, distant 
Re-move, n.v. to change place 



Re-new, a. v. to make new, to 

begin again 
Re-nounce, a. v. to disown 
Re-nown, s. fame, praise 
Re-pair, a. v. to mend ; to go to 
Re-past, s. a meal, food 
Re-pay, a. v. to pay back 
Re-peal, a. v. to revoke [again 
Re-peat, a. v. to do or say 
Re-pel, a. v. to drive back 
Re-pent, n. v. to be sorry for 
Re-pine, n. v. to murmur 
Re-plete, a. completely full 
Re-port, 5. an account 
Re-pose, s. sleep, rest 
Re-press, a. v. to put down 
Re-prieve, s. respite, delay 
Re-proach, s. censure, shame 
Re-prove, a. «;. to blame 
Re-pulse, a. v. to beat back 



A Repast is a meal, or refreshment. In Eastern nations the 
guests recline upon couches or mattresses : in Turkey and Egypt 
they sit upon the ground, on mats or rich carpets, 




The food is placed before them on trays. Plates, knives, forks 
and spoons, are sometimes allowed to Europeans, as a favour, but 
the natives use, chiefly, their fingers. If there be a whole animal, 
or a large joint of meat, the master of the repast pulls it to pieces 
with his hands, and presents the choicest morsels to his friends 
The provisions, however, are mostly served up in the form of soups, 
or minced meats. A thin slice of bread, or a small portion of boiled 
rice, is dipped in the dish, and eaten with the meat or soup which 
adheres to it. The fingers are wiped upon the bread, or upon nap- 
kins provided for the purpose. p 



102 



WORDS OF TWO SYLLABLES. 



Re-pute, s. credit, esteem 
Re-quest, s. an entreaty 
Re-quite, a. v. to recompence 
Res-cind, a. v. to cut off 
Re-serve, a. v. to keep in store 
Re-side, n. v. to live, to dwell 
Re-sist, a. v. to oppose 
Re-solve, n. v. to determine 
Re-strain, a. v. to hold in 
Re-sult, s'i a consequence 
He-tail, a. v. to sell in small 

quantities 
Re-tard, a. v. to hinder 
Re-trench, a. v. to cut off 
Re-venge, a. v. to return one 

injury for another 
Re-vere, a. v. to reverence 
Re-verse, s. change, defeat 
Re-view, a. v. to re-examine 
Re-vile, a. v. to reproach 
Re-vive, v. to recover 



Re-voke, a. v. to call back 
Re-volt, n. v. to rebel 
Re-volve, a. v. to roll round 
Re- ward, a. recompence 
Ro-bust, a. strong 
Ro-mance, s. a fiction 
Ro-tund, a. round, circular 

ACCENTED ON THE FIRST, 

Sam-phire, s. a plant 
Sam-pie, 5. a specimen 
Sanc-tion, s. an approval 
San-dal, s. a loose shoe 
San-guine,fl. like blood ; warm, 

confident 
Sa-tire, s. a caustic censure 
Saun-ter, n. v. to loiter 
Sa-vage, a. wild, cruel 
Scan-dal, s. reproach, disgrace 
Scan-ty, a. narrow, small 
Scat-ter, a. v. to spread abroad 



&m. 



Samphire is a plant which 
grows wild on the sea shore, and 
on rocks, but is never wholly co- 
vered with the water. A know- 
ledge of this fact was once useful 
to some French sailors, who were 
shipwrecked on the coast of Sus- 
^ sex, a few years ago. Their ves- 
^ sel was driven on shore, and the 
I whole crew were washed over- 
x board. Four only escaped, by 
climbing to the top of a heap of 
\ rocks which had fallen from the 
cliff' above. It was a very dark 
•U night, and they expected every 
r moment to be swallowed up 
by the waves ; when one of 
; them found a plant of samphire. 
' This convinced them that they 
were out of the reach of the 
tide : they remained on the spot 
till day-break, when they were 
seen by some persons on the cliffs, who immediately came to their 
assistance. 




WORDS OF TWO SYLLABLES. 



103 



Scep-tic, (skeptic) s. a doubter 
Scep-tre, s. a royal staff 
Sche-dule, s. a catalogue 
Scho-lar, s. one who learns, or 

is learned 
Sci-ence, s. knowledge, skill 
Sci-on, s. a young shoot 
Scis-sors, s. small shears 
Scrip-ture, s. the written word 

of God, the Bible 
Scru-ple, s. doubt, hesitation 
Sculp-tor, s. a carver of wood, 

or stone ; an engraver 
Sculp-ture, s. carved work 
Sea-son, s. a set time 
Sec-tion, s. a division 
Sei-zure, s. a capture 
Sen-ate, s. a council 
Sen-tence, s. decree ; maxim 
Se-quel, s. the conclusion 
Se-quence, s. order, method 



Sermon, s. a discourse 
Ser-vile, a. mean, base 
Se-ver, a. v. to divide 
Ses-sion, s. a sitting 
Shac-kle, a. v. to chain 
Shal-low, a. not deep ; foolish 
Shame-ful, a. disgraceful 
Shat-ter, a. v. to break in 

pieces [protect 

Shel-ter, a. v. to cover, to 
Shep-herd, s. one who takes 

care of sheep 
Ship-wreck, s. destruction 
Show-er, 5. a fall of rain 
Shrewd-ly, ad. cunningly 
Shri-vel, n. v. to shrink 
Shud-der, n. v. to quake 
Sic-kle, s. a reaping hook 
Sig-nal, s. notice given by a 

sign 
Sig-nal,<z. eminent; remarkable 



The Shepherd's life was considered, in the earliest period of the 
world's history, to be both honourable and useful. Amongst the 
Patriarchs, shepherds were rich in flocks and herds, in silver and 
gold. They often held the rank, 
and exercised the rights, of sovereign 
princes. Though they had nume- 
rous trains of menial servants, they 
generally tended their flocks in person, 
or placed them under the care of their 
sons and daughters, who were bred to 
the same laborious employment. Ra- 
chel and Rebecca were shepherdesses. 
Jacob, Moses, and David spent some of 
their best years as shepherds, previous 
to their becoming rulers of the people. 
The care which such persons exercised 
over large flocks, providing for them 
suitable pasturage ; the courage with 
which they defended them against wild 
beasts and robbers ; and the skill with 
which they guided and led them, and preserved them in order ; all 
tended to fit them for the office and duties of kings and princes. 
Hence, the sacred writers often speak of kings under the name of 
shepherds, and compare the royal sceptre to a shepherd's crook. 




104 



WORDS OF TWO SYLLABLES. 



Si-lent, a. still, quiet 
Sim-pie, a. artless, plain; silly 
Si-new, s. a tendon, or muscle 
Skil-ful, a. having skill 
Slan-der, a. v. to defame 
Slaugh-ter, a. v. to kill, to slay 
Sla-vish, a. servile, base 
Sloth-ful, a. sluggish, idle, 

indolent 
Slen-der, a. thin, small 
Slum-ber, s. light sleep 
Smo-ther, a. v. to suffocate 
So-journ, n. v. to dwell 
So-lace, s. comfort [sun 

So-lar, a. belonging to the 
Sol-dier, s. (soljer) one who 

fights for pay 
So-lemn, a. grave, serious 
So-lid, a. firm, compact 
Sor-did, a. selfish, mean 
So-phist, s. a false reasoner 



Sor-row, s. grief, sadness 
Spar-kle, n. v. to glitter 
Spe-cial, a. particular 
Spe-cious, a. plausible, showy 
Spi-ral, a. winding 
Spi-rit, s. the soul ; courage 
Spite-ful, a. malicious 
Splen-did, a. shining, grand 
Splen-dour, s. brightness 
Spor-tive, a. merry, gay 
Spright-ly, a. lively, animated 
Sprin-kle, a. v. to scatter in 

small drops 
Squa-lid, a. miserably filthy 
Squan-der, a. v. to spend, to 

scatter in waste 
Sta-ble, a. sure, lasting 
Stag-nant, a. motionless, still 
Star- tie, a. v. to alarm 
State-ly, a. pompous, grand 
Sta-tion, s. rank, standing 



" God chose David his servant, and took him from the sheepfolds ; 
from following the ewes great with young, he brought him to 
feed Jacob his people, and Israel his inheritance. So he fed 
them according to the integrity of his heart, and guided them by 
the skilfulness of his hands." 



A Stripling is a youth not yet arrived at the years of manhood. 
This, however, is often a season of great promise : a period of life in 
which the bodily and mental powers sometimes develope themselves 
in a remarkable manner. An instance occurs in the life of David. 
While very young, he was introduced to the court of Saul, as one 
skilful in music, valiant in war, prudent in his general conduct, and 
enjoying the favour of the Most High. Saul, who was at that time 
engaged in war with the Philistines, made David one of his guards. 
The Philistines had in their camp a champion, named Goliath, a man 
of uncommon height and strength. This giant came forward day 
after day, clad in a suit of brazen armour, with an enormous spear, 
and shield, and crying out, " Choose you a man for you, and let him 
come down to me. If he be able to fight with me and to kill me, 
then will we be your servants : but if I prevail against him and kill 
him, then shall ye be our servants." Saul and his men of war were 
greatly afraid to meet this man. But David, though only a strip- 
ling, being jealous for the honour of God and of Israel, undertook to 
meet him, fully believing that God would deliver the Philistine into 
his hands. 



WORDS OF TWO SYLLABLES. 



105 



Sta-tue, s. a carved image 
Sta-ture, s. height 
Sta-tute, s. an established law 
Stead-fast, a. firm, constant 
Ste-rile, a. unfruitful 
Ster-ling, a. genuine ; standard 
Stew-ard, 5. a manager 
Sti-fle, a. v. to suffocate 
Stig-ma, s. a mark of infamy 
Sti-pend, s. pay, wages 
Sto-ry, s. a tale ; a floor 
Stor-my, a furious, violent 
Stran-gle, a. v. to choak 
Stream-er, s. a small flag 
Strip-ling, s. a youth 
Struc-ture, 5. a building 
Strug-gle, s. a labour, contest 
Stub-born, a. obstinate 
Stu-dent, s. a scholar 
Stum-ble, n. v. to fall, to err 
Sub-stance, s. being, matter ; 
wealth, means of life 



Sub -tile, a. thin, fine 
Sub-tie, a. (suttle) cunning 
Suc-cour, s. assistance, help 
Suf-frage, s. a vote, voice 
Sui-tor, s. a petitioner 
Sul-len, a. sulky, stubborn 
Sul-try, a. hot and close 
Sum-mit s. the very top 
Sum-mon, a. v. to call 
Sun-dry, a. several 
Sup-pie, a. pliant ; flexible 
Sur-face, s. the outside 
Sure-ty, s. bail, security 
Sur-feit, a. v. to overload 
Swar-thy, a. dark, tawney 
Swift-ness s. speed, haste 
Sym-bol, s. a type; an abstract 
Symp-tom, s. a sign, a token 
Sy-nod, s. an ecclesiastical 
assembly [tern 

Syn-tax, s. a grammatical sys- 
Sys-tem, s. method, scheme 



David was very skilful in the use of the sling, a sort of leather 
thong, from which stones were thrown with great exactness to a 
considerable distance. After declining the use of Saul's armour, he 
" took his staff in his hand, chose him five smooth stones out of the 

brook, and put them in a 
shepherd's bag which he 
had ; and he drew near to 
the Philistine with his 
sling in his hand." Goli- 
ath boasted greatly, and 
threatened to give the flesh 
of David " to the fowls of 
the air, and to the beasts 
of the field." David said, 
" Thou comest to me with 
a sword, and with a spear, 
and with a shield ; but I 
come to thee in the name 
of the Lord of hosts, the 
God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied. And he put 
his hand in his bag, and took thence a stone, and slang it, and 
smote the Philistine in his forehead; and he fell upon his face to the 
earth. So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and 
with a stone." 




106 



WORDS OF TWO SYLLABLES. 



ACCENTED ON THE SECOND. 

Se-cede, ajo. to withdraw from 
Se-cure, a. safe, confident 
Se-date, a. calm, quiet 
Se-duce, a. v. to draw aside 
Se-lect, a. v. to choose 
Se-rene, a. calm, still 
Se-vere, a. strict, harsh 
Sin-cere, a. honest, pure 
Sub-due, a. v. to conquer 
Sub-join, a. v. to add 
Sub-lime, a. lofty, grand 
Sub-scribe, n. v. to underwrite 
Sub-side, n. v. to sink 
Sub-sist, n. v. to live 
Sub-vert, a. v. to overthrow 
Suc-ceed, n. v. to prosper 
Suc-cess, s. prosperity 
Suc-cinct, a. short, brief 
Suc-cumb, n. v. to crouch 
Suf-fice, a. v. to satisfy 
Sug-gest . a. v. to hint 



Su-perby a. grand, pompous 
Su-pine, a. negligent 
Sup-plant, a. v. to displace 
Sup-ply, a. v. to furnish 
Sup-port, a. v. to sustain 
Sup-pose, a. v. to imagine 
Sup-press, a. v. to conceal, to 

crush, to subdue 
Sur-mount, a. v. to rise above 
Sur-pass, a. v. to excel 
Sur-round, a. v. to encompass 
Sur-vey, a. v. to view, to mea- 
sure, to overlook 
Sus-pect, a. v. to mistrust 
Sus-pend, a.v. to hang; to delay 
Sus-pence, s. uncertainty 
Sus-tain,, a. v. to bear, to prop 

ACCENTED ON THE FIRST. 

Ta-cit, a. silent 
Ta-lent, a. ability, genius 
Ta-lon, s. a claw 



The Talons, or claws, of birds and beasts differ considerably in 
their form,, size, and strength, according to their habits, and their 
mode of obtaining food. Passing over many others, the paw of the 
Lion may be noticed particularly. It 
has little of that pliancy and refined sense 
of touch which are found in the hands of 
human beings, or in many of those ani- 
mals by which objects are grasped and 
retained ; but it is a most terrible instru- 
ment of destruction. It consists of four 
fingers, and a thumb, which, how- 
ever, has not the power of grasping. The 
last joint only of these is endowed with 
much freedom of motion. The end bone 
of each finger is armed with a powerful 
talon, which can be drawn back, or put 
forth, at the will of the animal. When 
it is not in action, it can be so raised from the ground as to prevent 
its points from being blunted ; and, when in active warfare, it can 
be so put forth as to inflict destructive wounds upon its prey. Each 
of these powers is described in the cuts here given. In the firsU the 
talon is drawn back within the sheath, and bedded, as it were, in 
the fur; in the second, the talon is thrust forth, for the purpose of 




striking. 






WORDS OF TWO SYLLABLES. 



107 



Tal-mud, s. the book of Jewish 

traditions 
Tame-ly, ad, mildly ; meanly 
Tam-per, a. to meddle with 
Tan-gle, a. v. to ensnare 
Tar-dy, a. slow, late 
Tar-get, s. a shield 
Tar-ry, n. v. to stray, to delay 
Ta-riff, s. a book of rates 
Taste-less, a. without relish 
Tem-pest, s. a violent storm 
Tem-ple, s. a place of worship 
Te-nant, s. one who takes 

premises on hire 
Ten-der, a. soft, kind, young 
Te-net, s. a doctrine 
Ten-our, s. sense contained 
Ten-ure, s. lease, holding 
Ter-race, 5. a bank of earth 
Ter-ror, s. dread, fear 



Tex-ture, s. style of weaving 
Thick- et, s. a close wood 
Thirs-ty, a. wanting drink 
Thral-dom, s. slavery 
Threat-en, a, v. to menace 
Ti-dings, s. news, intelligence 
Til-lage, s. agriculture 
Tim-id, a. fearful, diffident 
Tinc-ture, s. a slight colour 
Tin-sel, s. cheap finery [dious 
Tire-some, a. wearisome, te- 
Ti-tle, s. a name, a claim 
Tit-tie, s. a point, a dot 
To-ken, s. a sign, a memorial 
Ton-ic, a. giving tone 
Tooth-less, a. without teeth 
To-pic, s. head of discourse 
Tor-ment, s. anguish, pain 
Tor-rent, s. a rapid stream 
Tor-rid, a. hot, parched 



Toothless is a term applied to a most singular class of animals, 
the Edentata ; nearly the whole of which are without teeth. One 
of the most interesting examples is given in this cut. It is called 

the Tamanoir, or maned 
ant-eater. It measures up- 
wards of four feet in length. 
The head is much narrower 
than the neck, and tapers 
off to a muzzle ; at the end 
of this a small slit serves the 
office of a mouth, which al- 
lows a long slender tongue, 
the instrument by which it 
takes its prey, to be thrust 
— .^fes o ^ or drawn back at plea- 

sure. The food of this extraordinary creature consists of ants, or 
termites, of which a description will be found in page 6. The 
mounds, or hillocks, produced by these insects, often cover the plain 
for miles ; and the way the ant-eater proceeds to come at his booty 
is very curious. He first tears open the ground with his large 
strong nails, and disturbs the swarms ; and as soon as they come 
forth, he thrusts his long tongue among them, covered with a 
gummy fluid by means of which the prey is retained. This is 
done with such swiftness, and is so often repeated, that a countless 
host is soon destroyed. Thus Providence has furnished a powerful 
check to those insect armies, which might otherwise prove a nui- 
sance and a source of desolation. 




108 



WORDS OF TWO SYLLABLES. 



To-tal, a. whole, entire 
Tow-er, 5. a high building 
Traf-fic, s. trade, commerce 
Trai-tor, 5. one who betrays 
Tram-pie, n. v. to tread upon 
Tran-quil, a. quiet, peaceful 
Trans-cript, s. a copy 
Tran-sit, s. a passing over 
Trans-fer, s. a making over 
Tra-verse, s. to cross 
Trea-son, 5. disloyalty 
Trea-sure, s. wealth hoarded 
Trea-tise, s. a discourse 
Trea-ty, s. a contract 
Trem-ble, n. v. to shake 
Tres-pass, s. offence, < injury 
Tri-bute, s. a tax [exult 

Tri-umph, v. to conquer, to 
Tro-phy, s. a token of victory 
Trus-ty, a. faithful 
Tu-mour, s. a swelling 



Tu-mult, s. riot, noise 
Tur-bid, a. thick, muddy 
Tur-gid, a. swelling, bloated 
Tur-ret, s. a small tower 
Tur-tle, s. a kind of dove ; a 
Tu-tor, s. a teacher [sea-fish 
Twi-light, s. faint light 
Twink-ling, s. sparkling light 
Ty-rant, s a cruel ruler 
Ty-ro, s. a beginner 



ACCENTED ON 

Tor-ment, a. v. 
Tra-duce, a. v. 
Trans-act, a. v. 
Trans-cend, a. 
Tran-scribe, a. 
Trans-fer, a. v. 
Trans-fix, a. 

through 
Trans-form, a. 



THE SECOND 

to torture 
to slander 

to manage 
v. to excel 
v. to copy out 

to make over 

v. to pierce 
[the form 

v. to change 



Turtles, or Sea Tortoises, are found in all the seas of warm cli- 
mates. The flesh of most of them is used for food, and the shells 
are employed for a variety of purposes. As articles of food, the 
Green Turtles are most valued. They weigh from fifty to two hun- 
dred pounds each. Large quantities are brought alive to this country, 
for the purpose of supplying the tables of rich, and public civic, and 

other, feasts. Turtles are 
caught in various ways. One 
mode is to watch the females 
as they come up from the sea 
to lay their eggs in the sand, 
and to turn them on their 
backs out of the reach of the 
tide, where they remain till 
they are fetched away. Others 
are caught as they lie float- 
ing on the sea. The turtle- 
fishers approach them quietly with a sharp harpoon, having a ring 
at the butt-end, to which a cord is attached. The harpooner strikes, 
and the wounded animal dives, but he is at last secured by the cord. 
On the coasts of China, turtles are taken by means of living fishes, 
trained for the purpose. When the fishermen perceive the turtles 
basking on the surface of the sea, they slip out one of these fishes 
Avith a long line attached to it ; the fish, which is of the sucking 
kind, fastens firmly upon the turtle, when the fishermen pull both 
together into their boats. 




WORDS OF TWO SYLLABLES. 



109 



Trans-fuse, a. v. to pour out 
Trans-gress, a. v. to violate 
Trans-late, a. v. to interpret 
Trans- mit, a. v. to convey 
Trans-mute, a. v. to change 

the nature of 
Tre-pan, a. v. to ensnare 
Trans-plant, a. v. to plant in a 

new place, to remove 
Trans-port, n. v. to convey 
Trans-pose, a. v. to change 

the place of [known 

Tran-spire, n. v. to become 
Trans-verse, a. lying across 

ACCENTED ON THE FIRST. 

Va-cant, a. empty, void 
Vac-cine, a. of or belonging to 
Va-grant, a. wandering [a cow 



Vain-ly, ad. without effect ; 

foolishly, concertedly 
Va-lid, a. sufficient, good 
Val-ley, s. a vale, the space 

between two hills 
Va-lour, s. courage, bravery 
Va-lue, s. price, worth 
Va-nish, n. v. to disappear 
Va-pour, s. mist, fog [an army 
Van-guard, s. the first part of 
Van-quish, a. v. to overcome 
Va-ry, n. v. to alter, to change 
Var-nish, a. v. to gloss 
Va-pid, a. spiritless, flat 
Vas-sal, s. a dependent 
Vast-ly, ad. in a great degree 
Vaul-ted, a. arched, concave 
Vaul-ter, s. a leaper, a tumbler 
Vaunt-ing, s. the act of boasting 



A Valley is a low ground between mountains or hills. Those 
countries in which mountains or vallies are interspersed, are usually 
considered the most beautiful. But this interchange contributes 
materially to the comfort and support of man. From mountains 

and hills flow a constant and 
abundant supply of streams, 
watering the vallies below, and 
rendering them fruitful. Moun- 
tains supply food and support 
to many animals, and nourish- 
ment to many trees and plants, 
which are highly valuable to 
man. Mountains furnish a sure 
defence against the ravages of 
seas and floods, and the blasts 
of fierce and destroying winds. 
\ On the other hand, in the wide 
and spreading valley, we see 
the fertilizing river -winding its 
course; the meadows covered 
with flocks and herds; and the fields standing thick with corn. On 
the bosom of the valley we see towns and villages rising ; the inha- 
bitants pursuing their daily labour, and enjoying the fruits of their 
industry. Happy those who look with gratitude and delight both 
on the mountains and on the valleys, and who see in every part of 
the creation, the wisdom, power, and goodness of God ! 




110 



WORDS OF TWO SYLLABLES. 



Vel-lum, s. fine parchment 
Ve-nal, a. mercenary 
Ven-ture, n. v. to risk to dare 
Ve-nom, s. poisonous matter 
Vend-or, s. one who sells 
Ver-bal, a. spoken, literal 
Ver-dant, a. green, flourishing 
Ver-dict, s. the decision of a 

jury; judgment, opinion 
Ver-dure, s. a green colour 
Ver-nal, a. belonging to the 

spring 
Ver-min, s. noxious animals 
Ver-sion, s, a translation 
Ver-tex, s. the highest point in 

the heavens, the zenith 
Ves-pers, s. the evening prayer 
Ves-tal, s. a pure virgin 
Ves-tige, 5. a footstep, a mark 
Vest-ed, a. fixed, endowed 



Ves-ture, s. a garment 
Ve-to, 5. a refusal 
Vi-al, 5. a small bottle 
Vi-and, s. meat, food 
Vi-brate, v. n. to quiver 
Vi-gil, s. the eve of a holiday; 

a time of watching 
Vi-gour, s. force, strength 
Vice-roy, s. a king's deputy 
Vic-tim, s. a sacrifice 
Vic- tor, s. a conqueror 
Vic-tuals, s. food, provisions 
Vil-lage, s. a small town 
Vil-lain, s. a vile fellow 
Vile-ly, ad. shamefully, basely 
Vi-nous, a. having the quali- 
ty of wine 
Vi-rus, s. poisonous matter 
Vi-per, s. a small poisonous 
serpent 



A Vigil is a watch — a watch performed especially during the 
night, for the purpose of noticing the ap- 
proach either of friends or of foes, in order 
that due preparation may be made to 
receive them. Towers were erected, upon 
which the watchmen or sentinels were 
posted, who were required continually to 
report what they saw and heard. Fre- 
quent allusions are made to this custom in 
the Holy Scriptures. In Isaiah it is said, 
" Go, set a watchman, and let him declare 
what he seeth." Persons are represented 
as calling out at intervals, " Watchman, 
what of the night ?" and the watchman is 
heard answering, " Behold, there cometh 
a chariot of men, with a couple of horse- 
men." Since those ancient periods, in- 
stead of single families or tribes being 
shut up in small towns or fortresses, ex- 
posed to constant attacks from their 
neighbours, men have formed themselves 
into large cities or kingdoms, and such 
defences have become unnecessary, except 
in cases of war with foreign nations. As the principles of peace 
and good- will prevail, even these will be rendered needless. 




WORDS OF TWO SYLLABLES. 



Ill 



Vir-tue, s, moral goodness 
Vi-sage, s> the countenance 
Vis-cous, a. glutinous 
Vi-sion, s. sight ; a dream 
Vi-sor, s. a mask [of nobility 
Vis-count, s. (vicount) a degree 
Vi-tal, a. necessary to life 
Vis-ta, 5. a prospect 
Vi-vid, a. bright, lively [voice 
Vo-cal, a. belonging to the 
Vol-ume, s. a bound book 
Vor-tex, s. a whirlpool 
Vou-cher, s. a confirmation 
Voy-age, s. a journey by sea 
Vul-gar, a. common, indecent 
Vul-ture, s. a bird of prey 
Um-brage, s. offence, shade 
Um-pire, s. an arbitrator 
U-nit, s. one in number 



Up-right, a. erect, honest 
Up-roar, s. noise, confusion 
Up-shot, s. issue, end 
Ur-gent, a. earnest, pressing 
U-sage, s. treatment, custom 
Use-fill-, a. serviceable 
Use-less r a. unserviceable 
Ut-ter, a. v. to speak 

ACCENTED ON THE SECOND. 

Ver-bose, a. wordy, tedious 
Vouch-safe, vr. to condescend 
Un-apt, a. unfit 
Un-couth, a. awkward, odd 
Un-done, a. not done ;; ruined 
Un-fit, a. unqualified 
Un-fold, v. to expand 
Un-gird, a. v. to loose 
Un-hinge, a. v. to displace 



The Vulture is a rapacious bird, found in warm climates, where 
it performs the most useful service, by clearing the land of those 
putrid carcases with which it abounds, and which would, but for 
this appointment of Providence, be the means of spreading disease 

and pestilence to a considerable ex- 
tent. No sooner is an animal dead, 
than its carcase is surrounded by 
Vultures, which suddenly appear 
coming from all quarters, though not 
one had been seen just before. The 
filthiness of their food imparts a 
very unpleasant odour to their bo- 




a means of defence ; for if they be 
seized during the inactivity which 
succeeds their meals, the captor is 
soon overcome by a sudden impulse 
of loathing, and is glad to relin- 
quish his hold. Lest those parts of 
the bird which come in contact with 
its offensive food should become 
soiled and matted together, the 
whole of the head, and a great part of the neck, is entirely destitute 
of feathers ; while those on the rest of the body have a certain 
spring and glossiness which enables the bird, by a few sudden 
shakes, to cleanse itself at once from any fragments that remain on 
its beautiful plumage. 



112 



WORDS OF TWO SYLLABLES, 



TJ-nite, v. to join 
Un-less, conj. except 
Un-like, a. dissimilar 
Un-moor, a. v. to unfasten 
Un-nerve, a. v. to weaken 
Un-well, a. somewhat ill 
Un-just, a. not just, partial 
Un-taught, a. ignorant 
Un-true, a. false, unfaithful 
Un-sound, a. corrupt, sickly 
Un-told, a. not revealed 
Un-truth, s. a false assertion 
Un-veil, a. v. to disclose 
Un-wept, a. not lamented 
Un-wise, a. defective in wis- 
dom ; imprudent 
Un-worn, a. not impaired 
Un-wrought, a. not rnaufac- 
tured [yoke 

Un-yoke, a. v. to free from a 
Up-braid, a. v. to reproach 



Up-hold, a. v. to support 
Up -lift, a. v. to raise aloft 
Up-root, a. v. to tear up by 

the root 
Ur-bane, a. civil, courteous 
U-surp, v. to possess illegally 

ACCENTED ON THE FIRST 

Wa-fer, s. a thin cake 
Wai-ter, s. an attendant 
Wain-scot, s. a lining of wood 

for rooms 
Wake-ful, a. not sleeping 
Wal-let, s. a sort of bag 
Wal-low, v. to roll in the mire 
Wan-der, v. to ramble, to rove 
War-ble, v. to sing like a bird 
War-den, s. a guardian 
Ward-robe, 5. a place where 

clothes are kept [war 

War-like, a. having signs of 



Wassail is a word used to describe a drunken bout — a party 
meeting for the purpose of drinking, singing, and noisy merriment. 
At certain seasons, such as Christmas-eve, New Years-eve, and 
New Year's-day, it was the custom to fill a very large bowl with 
ale or cider, well spiced and sweetened. This, which was called the 
Wassail-bowl, was placed in the middle of the table, and dealt out 
in glasses or cups to the guests ; and " Wass-haile" or " Good 
health," were the words which each person uttered, as he took the 

_ circling goblet from his 

^Slmijll friend. A similar bowl 
was sometimes taken from 
door to door by a num- 
ber of persons, who, with 
W£ much singing and merri- 
*~ nient, invited to drink 
heartily, and so welcome 
in the season, and pledge 
_ success to each other 
p through the coming year. 
The custom is said to have 
been introduced by Row- 
ena, daughter of a Saxon prince. At the command of her father, 
who had invited the British king, Vortigern, to a banquet, she came 
into the royal presence with a bowl of wine, and welcomed him, 




.WORDS OF TWO SYLLABLES. 



113 



War-rant, s. a legal order 
War-rant, a. v. to assure 
War-fare, s. military service 
Wa-ry, a. cautious 
Was-sail, s. drinking revelry 
Way-ward, a. wilful, peevish 
Waste-ful, a. destructive, la- 
Watch-ful, a. attentive [vish 
Wa-ver, n. v. to change often 
War-der, s. a keeper, a guard 
Warn-ing, s. a caution, notice 
Warm-ly, ad. with gentle heat; 

eagerly, vehemently 
Wasp-ish, a. peevish, cross 
Watch-word, s. a sentinel's 

password 
Weak-en, a. v. to make weak 
Wea-ry, a. v. to tire, to fatigue 
Weal-thy, a. very rich 
Wea-ther, s. state of the air 
Web-bed, a. joined by a film 



Wed-ding, s. a marriage cere- 
mony 
Weigh-ty, a. heavy; important 
Wel-fare, s. prosperity 
Wel-come, s. a kind reception 
Whis-per, n. v. to speak with 



a low voice 



[goods 



Wharf-age, s. duty for landing 
Wher-ry, s. a light river boat 
Whim-per, v. to utter low cries 
Whole-some, a. salutary 
Wick-ed, a. sinful, bad 
Wick-et, 5, a small gate 
Wi-ly, a. cunning, subtle 
Wil-ling, a. with a good will 
Wil-ful, a. stubborn 
Wind-lass, s. a machine for 

raising weights 
Win-now, v. to fan, to sift 
Wise-ly, ad. prudently [ledge 
Wis-dom, s. superior know- 



saying, " Lord king, Wass-7iaile ;" when the king in return an- 
swered, " Drink haile." 

The most perfect fragment of the " Wassail " exists in the usage 
of certain corporation festivals. The person presiding stands up at 
the close of the dinner, and drinks from a flagon having a handle 
on each side, by which he holds it, and drinks the health of his 
brethren out of the " loving cwp." This cup, which is the ancient 
Wassail-bowl, is passed to each guest, who stands up and drinks to 
the president " out of the loving cup." 

This ancient custom degenerated, by degrees, into parties at 
taverns and public-houses, till habitual drinking became one of the 
sins of Englishmen. Under the idea of " good fellowship," or " social 
enjoyment," strong fiery drinks are swallowed,— much time and pro- 
perty are wasted,— numerous and painful diseases are engendered, — 
the native and mental enjoyment impaired. — The results of such 
revellings are thus described by the wise man : " Who hath woe ? 
Who hath sorrow? Who hath contentions ? Who hath babbling ? 
Who hath wounds without cause ? Who hath redness of eyes ? They 
that tarry long at the wine ; they that go to seek mixed wine." 

A change, however, is now taking place. Men are more and 
more convinced that they may be healthy, strong, and happy, with- 
out the use of strong drinks; the Wassail-bowl is likely to be 
banished for enjoyments of a more rational nature— better suited 
to the condition of intellectual and accountable beings. 



114 



WORDS OF TWO SYLLABLES. 



Wit-less, a, wanting under- 
standing ; inconsiderate 
Wo-ful, a. calamitous, sad 
Won-der, s. admiration, a- 

mazement, surprise 
Wont-ed, a. usual, customary 
Wor-ship, s. homage to God ; 

a term of honour 
Worm-wood, s. a bitter herb 
Wor-ry, v. to tear, to harrass 
Wor-thy, a. deserving,valuable 
Wran-gle, s. a captious dispute 
Wres-tle,'?;. to struggle with 
Wretch- ed, a. miserable 
Wrin-kle, v. to crease or fold 

ACCENTED ON THE SECOND. 

Where-as, ad. on the contrary 
Where-by, ad. by which 
Where-in, ad. in which 
Where-from, ad. from which 



With-draw, v. to draw off, to 

retire 
With-hold, a. v. to keep back, 

to stop 
With-stand, a. v. to oppose 

ACCENTED ON THE FIRST. 

Yearn-ing, s. an emotion of 
tenderness £er 

Yeo-man, s. a small land-own- 
Yield-ing,a. submissive, pliant 
Youth-ful, a. young, vigorous 
Young-er, a. more young 
Zeal-ot, s. one filled with zeal, 

a bigot 
Zeal-ous, a. eager, ardent 
Ze-bu, s. a kind of ox 
Ze-nith, s. the vertex 
Ze-phyr, s. a gentle wind 
Zig-zag, a. crooked, full of 
short turnings 






The Zebu is one of a race of oxen, which came originally from 
India, but is now to be found in other parts of the East and of 
Africa. It dhTers from the common ox in several marked peculi- 
arities. It has narrow high 
shoulders, surmounted by a 
large fatty hump; an arched 
back, rising at the haunch- 
es, and suddenly falling to 
the tail; slender limbs; a 
large dew-lap falling in 
folds from the throat ; long 
pendent ears; and a pecu- 
liarly wild expression of the 
eye. In India, a number of 
them are kept saddled, to 
carry the military despatches. They will travel with a soldier on 
their back, fifteen or sixteen hours a day, at the rate of six miles an 
hour. The large breed of this animal is known as the Brahmin 
bull. Some of these are accounted " sacred ;" they are exempted 
from the servitude of the yoke, and are allowed to wander at plea- 
sure. To strike, or molest them, is considered by the Hindoos as a 
deadly sin. They, however, often prove great pests, as they break 
into gardens, and thrust their noses into the stalls of fruiterers and 
pastry cooks, helping themselves without ceremony. 







115 



WORDS PRONOUNCED NEARLY ALIKE, BUT DIF- 
FERING IN SPELLING AND IN MEANING. 



Ai-ry, a. light as air 
Ey-ry, or Erie, s, the nest of 
an eagle 

A-loud, ad. with a loud voice 
Al-lowM, part, permitted 
Al-tar, &. a place for sacrifice 
Al-ter, v. to change, turn, vary 
An-chor, s. an instrument to 

fasten a ship 
An-ker, s~ a liquid measure of 

eight gallons 
An-ger, 5. great displeasure 
An-gour, s. pain or smart from 

a sore 
Ar-bour, s. a shady bower 
Ar-bor, s. a spindle, an axis 

As-eent, s.. act of rising 
As-sent, s. agreement, consent 

Au-ger, s, one who pretends to 

foretel events 
Au-gur, s. an instrument for 

boring 

Bar-ren, a. sterile, unfruitful 
Ba-ron, s. a title of nobility 

Ber-ry, s. a small fruit 
Bu-ry, v. to inter, to conceal 

Bet-ter, a. superior 
Bet-tor, s. one who wagers 

Bri-tain, s. England and Scot- 
land 
Brit-on, s. a native of Britain 

Bo-rough, s. a corporation 
Bur-row, s. a rabbit hole 

Cal-lous, a. hardened, insensible 
Cal-lus, s. any cutaneous or 
osseous substance 



Can-did, a. sincere, open, honest 

Can-died, part, preserved with 
sugar 

Can-non, s. a large hollow en- 
gine for impelling balls by 
means of gunpowder 

Ca-non, s. a dignitary in cathe- 
drals ; a church law 

Car-case, s. a dead body ; the 
shell or framing of a house 
or other building 

Car-casse, s. an iron case filled 
with combustibles to be pro- 
jected from a mortar 

Car-rot, s. an esculent root 

Ca-rat,5. a weight of four grains, 
used by jewellers in the pur- 
chase of diamonds 

Cei-ling, s. the inside lining of 
a roof [with a seal 

Seal-ing s. the act of fastening 

Cel-lar, s. a place beneath the 
ground 

Sel-ler,^. one who sells anything 

Cen-ser, s. a vessel to burn in- 
cense in 

Cen-sor s. a corrector of man- 
ners ; a licenser of the press 

Ces-sion, 5. giving up to ano- 
ther, a giving away 

Ses-sion, s. act of sitting, time 
during which an assembly 
sits 

Cha-grin, s. vexation 

Sha-green, s. the skin of a fish 

Cho-ler, $. anger, rage 

Col-lar, s. cloth for the neck, a 
part of dress 



116 



WORDS PRONOUNCED ALIKE, BUT DIFFERING 



Cin-gle, s. a girtk 
Sin-gle, a. alone 

Co-lour, a. hue ; false show 
Cul-ler, s. a selector 

Con-cert, s. mutual commu- 
nication of design ; a musical 
performance 

Con- sort, s. a companion, as a 
wife or husband 

Coun-sel, s. advice, a legal ad- 
viser 

Coun-cil, s. an assembly met to 
consult 

Co-zen, v. to cheat, or de- 
fraud 

Cou-sin, s. the child of an 
uncle or aunt 

Crew-el, *\ a ball of yarn 
Cru-el, a. savage 

Cur-rant, s, a fruit 
Cur-rent, s. a stream 

Cyg-net, s. a young swan 
Sig-net, s. a seal 

Cym-bal, 5. a musical instru- 
ment 
Sym-bol, s. a sign, an abstract 

Cy-press, 5. a beautiful ever- 
green shrub 

Cy-prus, s. a thin, transparent 
kind of stuff for dresses 

De-scent, 5. a going down 
Dis-sent, s. disagreement 

Dis-crete,a. distinct, not conti- 
nuous [modest 
Dis-creet, a. prudent, cautious, 

Do-lor, 5. grief 
Dol-lar, s. a foreign coin 

Do-cile, a. teachable 
Dos-sil, s. a lump of lint 



Ea-sel, s. the frame on 
which a painter sets his 
picture 

Ei-sel, 5. sour liquor, as vine- 
gar or verjuice 

Ear-nest, a. ardent, warm, 

zealous 
Er-nest, s. a man's name 

Fel-low, s. an associate or 
confederate, one of the same 
kind as another 

Fel-loe, s. the circumference of 
a circle, or wheel 

Fer-rule, s. a little wooden 
pallet, or slice 

Fe-rule, s. a small metal hoop 

Fil-ter, v. to purify by strain- 
ing 

Phil-ter, s. a potion, a supposed 
charm 

Fil-lip, s. a light stroke with 

the ringers 
Phi-lip, s. a man's name 
Fish-er, s. a catcher of fish 
Fis-sure, s. a cleft, a narrow 

opening 
Fore-mast, 5. the mast nearest 

the head of a ship 
Fore-most, a. first 

Fran-ces, s. a woman's name 
Fran-cis, s. a man's name 

Fun-gous, a. spungy, excres- 
cent 

Fun-gus, s. a mushroom, an 
unnatural excrescence 

Gal-loon, s. a kind of ribbon 
Gal-leon, 5. a Spanish merchant 
ship 

Grader, s. a sort of rasp 
Great-er, a. larger 



IN SPELLING AND MEANING. 



117 



Ga-zet, s. a small Venetian 

coin 
Ga-zette, 5. a paper containing 

intelligence 
Gris-ly, a. ghostly, horrible, 

hideous 
Griz-zly, a. somewhat gray 

Gro-cer, 5. a dealer 
Gross-er, a. coarser 

Hol-la, inter j. a word of call to 

one at a distance 
Hol-low, a. having an empty 

space within ; excavated 

Ho-ly, a. pure, sacred 
Whole-ly, ad, entirely, com- 
pletely 

Hoop-ing, s. a placing of hoops 

on a vessel 
Whoop -ing, a. v. shouting in 

pursuit or triumph 

In-cide, v. to cut into 
In-side, s. the interior 

In-dict, v. to accuse ; to 
prefer a bill of complaint 
against 

In-dite, v. to draw up, to 
compose 

Jet-tee, s„ a projection, a kind 

of pier 
Jet-ty, a- made of jet; black 

like jet 
Ju-ry, s. a set of men sworn 

to give a true verdict 
Jew-ry, s. the land of Judea 

Ker-nel, s. the substance con- 
tained in a shell 

Co-lo-nel, s. the commander 
of a regiment 

Lat-ten, s. brass or iron tinned 
over 



La- tin, a. the language of the 
ancient Romans 

Les-sen, a. v. to diminish 
Les-son, s. a task, a precept, a 
teaching 

Let-tice, s. a woman's name 
Let-tuce, s. a salad herb 

Le-vy, 5. the act of raising 
money or men 

Le-vee, s. a party of the nobi- 
lity, or others, convened to 
pay respects to a king or 
viceroy 

Li-on, 5. a wild beast 
Li-en, s. a bond or contract ; a 
judgment or recognisance 

Lum-ber, s. any thing useless 
Lum-bar, a. pertaining to the 
loins 

Man-ner, s. mode, custom 
Man-or, s. a lordship 

Man-tie, s. a garment 
Man-tel, s. the chimney-piece 

Mar-shal, s. to arrange 
Mar-tial, a. warlike 

Med-lar, s. a fruit 
Med-dler, s. a busy-body 

Me-ter, s. measure 
Me-tre, s. verse ; harmonic 
arrangement of syllables 

Mi-ner, s. a worker in mines 
Mi-nor, s. one under age 

Mus-cle, s. the fibrous part of 

an animal body 
Mus-sel, s. a shell fish 

Pal- ace, $. a king's residence 
Pal-las, s. the heathen goddess 
of wisdom 



118 



WORDS SIMILARLY PRONOUNCED. 



Pa-late, 5. the organ of taste 
Pal-ette, s. a painter's board 
Pal-let, s. a little bed 

Pan-ic, s. sudden fear 
Pan-nic, s. one of the grasses 

Pen-dent, a. hanging, sus- 
pended 

Pen-dant, s. a small flag 

Proph-et, s. one who foretells 
events 

Prof- it, 5. gain, advantage 

Rab-bit, s. a well known quad- 
ruped 

Rab-bet, s. a joint in joinery 
work 

Ra-zor, s. a shaving instrument 

Rais-er, s. a lifter up 

Rig-ger, s. one employed in 

rigging ships 
Ri-gor, s. severity, sternness 

Ri-ot, s, noisy festivity ; sedi- 
tion, uproar 

Ry-ot, s. an Indian peasant, or 
agriculturist 

Sail- or, s. a seaman 

Sail-er, s. any vessel that sails 

Salt-er, 5. one who salts 
Psal-ter. s. the book of psalms 

Sa-tire, «. a censorious poem 
Sa-tyr, s. a sylvan god 

Sa-ver, s. he that saves 
Sa-vour, 5, relish, taste 



Suc-cour, s. help in distress, 

aid, relief 
Suck-er, s. a twig or shoot ; 

the piston of a pump 

Tar- tan, s. a kind of woollen 

stuff 
Tar-tane, s. a peculiar vessel 

used in the Mediterranean 

Ter-race, 5. a raised walk 
Ter-ras, s. clayey earth found 

on the banks of the Rhine 
Ton-sil, s. one of the glands of 

the tongue 
Ton-sile, a. that which 

admit of being clipped 
Trav-ail, s. work, labour 
Trav-el, v. to go a journey 
Ver-dure, s. greenness 
Ver-ger, s. a mace-bearer 
Vi-al, s. a small bottle 
Vi-ol, 5. a musical instrument 

Weak-ly, a. sickly, feeble 
Week-ly, a. happening or done 
once a week 

We-ther, s. a sheep 
Wea-ther, s. state of the air 
Whe-ther, pro. which of the two 

Whis-key, 5. a single horse 

chaise [from barley 

Whis-ky, s. a spirit distilled 

Wrest-ing, 5. violent twisting, 

extortion 
Rest-ing, pres. part, of rest 



Many of the above words are pronounced alike generally, bnt 
correct speakers observe a difference. 






119 



v WORDS SPELLED ALIKE, BUT DIFFERING IN MEAN- 
ING, ACCORDING TO THE ACCENT. 



Meaning when accented on the 
First Syllable. 

Ab-sent, a. not present 
Ab-stract, s. an abridgment 
Ac-cent, s. manner of pronunci- 
ation 
Aug-ment, s. enlargement 
Au-gust, s. the eighth month 

Buf-fet, v. to beat 

Col-lect, *. a short prayer 
Com-ment, s. an explanation 
Corn-pact, s. a contract 
Corn-pound, s. a mixture 



Meaning when accented on the 
Second Syllable. 

Ab-sent, v. to keep away 
Ab-stract, v. to take from 
Ac-cent, v. to note the accent 

or mark 
Aug-ment, v. to enlarge 
Au-gust, a. majestic 

Buf-fet, s. a cupboard 
Col-lect, v. to gather 
Com-ment, v. to explain 
Corn-pact, a. firm, close 
Corn-pound, v. to mingle 



Corn-press, s. a bolsterof linen Corn-press, v. to squeeze, to 



rags 
Con-cert, s. harmony 
Con-duct, s. behaviour 
Con-fine, s. a boundary 
Con-flict, s. a contest 
Con-jure, s. an enchantment 
Con-sort, s. a companion 
Con-test, 5. a dispute 
Con- tract, s. a bargain 
Con-trast, s. an opposition 



Con-verse, s. a discourse 

Con-vert, s. one changed in opi- Con- vert 

nion 
Con-vict, s. one proved guilty 
Con-voy, s. attendance for de 

fence 



embrace 
Con-cert, v. to contrive 
Con-duct, v. to guide 
Con-fine, v. to restrain 
Con-flict, v. to contend 
Con-jure, v. to enjoin 
Con-sort, v. to associate with 
Con-test, v. to dispute 
Con- tract, v. to shrink up 
Con-trast, v. to place in oppo- 
sition 
Con- verse, v. to talk with 
v. to change 



De-crease, s. a growing less 
De-sert, s. a solitary wild 
De-spite, s. malice, defiance 
Dic-tate, 5. a precept 
Di-gest, s. a collection of laws 
Dis-cord, s. disagreement 

En-trance, s. a passage 



Con-vict, v. to prove guilty 
Con-voy, v. to guard on 
journey 

De-crease, v. to grow less 
De-sert, v. to forsake 
De-spite, conj. in spite of 
Dic-tate, v. to command 
Di-gest, v. to dissolve 
Dis-cord, v. to disagree 

En-trance, v. to put into 
trance 



120 



Es-say, s. a trial ; endeavour 
Es-cort, s. a convoy 

Ex-tract, s. the substance 

Fer-ment, s. intestine motion 
Fre-quent, a. often occurring 

Gal-lant, a. courageous 

Im-port, s. meaning 
Im-press, s. a mark, stamp 
In-cense, s. perfume 
In-crease, s. augmentation 
In-stinct, s. natural impulse 
In-sult, s. a wilful affront 

Mi-nute, s. a space of time 

Ob-ject, s. a thing felt or seen 

Per-fect, a. complete 
Per-fume, s. fragrance 
Per-mit, s,. a permission 
Pic-quet, 5. a military guar d 
Pre-lude, s. an introduction 

Pre-sage, s. a presentiment 
Pre-sent, s. a gift 
Pro-duce, s. profit, gain 
Pro-ject, s. a design 

Re-bel, s. an insurgent 

Re-cord, s. a register 

Re-fuse, s. something worthless Re-fuse, v. to reject 



Es-say, v. to try, to attempt 
Es-cort, v. to guard on a 

journey 
Ex> tract, v, to draw out 

Fer-ment, v. to effervesce 
Fre-quent, v. to visit often 

Gal-lant, a, polite, sprightly 
Im-port, v. to bring into 
Im-press, v. to print 
In-cense, v. to inflame 
In-crease, v. to grow large 
In-stinct, a. animated 
In-sult, va to offend 

Mi-nute, a. small, diminutive 

Ob-ject, v. to oppose 

Per-fect, v. to complete 
Per-fume, v. to scent 
Per-mit, v. to allow 
Pic-quet, s.. a game at cards 
Pre-lude, v.. to make an intro- 
duction 
Pre-sage, v. to forbode 
Pre-sent, v. to give 
Pro-duce, v. to bring forth 
Pro-ject, v. to jut out 

Re-bel, v. to war against law 

ful authority 
Re-cord, v. to register 



Re-vel, s. a noisy feast 
So-lace, s. comfort, alleviation 

Sub-ject, 5. one under rule 

Tor-ment, s. pain, anguish 
Trans-fer, s. a conveyance 

Trans-port, s. ecstacy 
Un-dress^ s. a negligent dress 



Re-vel, v. to draw back 

So-lace, v. to comfort, to con- 
sole 
Sub-ject, v. to subdue 

Tor-ment, v. to torture 
Trans-fer, v. to move, to make 

over 
Trans-port, v. to enrapture 

Un-dress, v. to strip off 



Sears, Printer, 3;& 4, Ivy Lane, London. 






WORDS OF THREE SYLLABLES. 



ACCENTED ON THE FIRST. 

Ab-di-cate, a. v. to resign or 

relinquish an office 
Ab-la-tive, a. taking from 
Ab-ro-gate,a.:y. toabolish[from 
Ab-sti-nence, s. a refraining 
Ac-cu-rate, a. exact, correct 
Ac-tu-al, a. real, certain 
Ac-tu-ate, a. v. to move 
Ad-e-quate, a. equal to 
Ad-ju-tant, s. a military officer 
Ad-ju-tant, s. a bird, (see note) 
Af-fa-ble, a. easy of manners 
Ag-gran-dize, a. v. to enlarge 
Ag-gra-vate, a. v. to provoke 
Ag-o-ny, s. violent pain 
Al-man-ack,5.a yearly calendar 
Am-a-teur, s. a lover of any 

particular pursuit 
Am-bi-ent, a. encircling 
Am-nes-ty, s. an act of oblivion 
Am-pli-fy, a. v. to enlarge 
Am-pu-tate, a. v. to cut off 
An-ar-chy, an-ar-hy, s. confu- 
sion 
An-ec-dote, s. a short story 
An-gu-lar, a. having corners 
Anx-i-ous, ank-shus,a.\n pain- 
ful suspense, solicitous 
Aph-or-ism, s. a maxim 
Ap-er-ture, s. an opening 
Ap-po-site, a. fit, suitable 
Ar-bi-trate, a. v. to decide 
Ar-chi-tect, s. ar-hi-tect, a pro- 
fessor of the building art, 
a builder 
Ar-gu-ment, s. a. reason 
Ar-ma-ment, s. a naval force 
Ar-mis-tice, s. a short truce 
Ar-ro-gant, a. presumptuous 
Ar-ti-fice, s. a fraudful trick 
As-pe-rate, a. v. to make 
rough 



As-pi-rate, a. pronounced with 

full breath 
At-ti-tude, s. posture, action 
Au-di-ble, a. easily heard 
Au-thor-ise, a. v. to empower 
Av-a-rice, s. cupidity, greedi- 
Av-e-nue, s. an entrance [ness 
Av-er-age, s. a medium 
Ax-i-om, s. a manifest truth 

ACCENTED ON THE SECOND. 

A-ban-don, a. v. to give up 
Ab-hor-rence, s. great hatred 
Ab-lu-tion, s. cleansing 
A-bol-ish, a. v. to destroy 
A-bor-tive, a. untimely [up 
Ab-sorb-ent,5. that which sucks 
Ab-ster-gent, a. cleansing 
A-bund-ant, a. plentiful 
Ac-com-plice, s. an associate 
Ac-cou-tre, ak-koo-tur, a. v. to 

dress, to furnish, to attire 
A-ce-tous, a. sour, like acids 
A-chieve-ment, s. an exploit 
Ad-ja-cent, a. lying close to 
Ad-mis-sion, s. entrance 
Ad-mon-ish, a. v. to reprove 
A-droit-ly, ad. dexterously 
Af-fi-ance, v. to betroth 
Af-flic-tion, s. a state of sorrow 
Ag-gres-sor, s. one who first 

assaults another 
Al-li-ance, s. connexion 
Al-lot-ment, s. a share 
Al-ter-nate, a. by turns 
Ap-pa-rent, a. clear, visible 
Ap-pend-ix, s, addition made 
Ar-ca-num, s. a mystery 
As-cen-sion, 5. a rising 
As-per-sion, s. calumny 
As-ton-ish, a. v. to amaze 
As-sua-sive, a. mitigating 
As-sum-ing, a. arrogant 
A-sy-lum, s. a refuge 



122 



WORDS OF THREE SYLLABLES. 



Atli-let-ic, a. strong, vigorous 
At-tain-der, s. a taint 
At-tri-bute, v. to ascribe to 
Aii-then-tic, a. genuine 

ACCENTED ON THE LAST. 

Ab-sen-tee, s. one absent from 
his station [consent 

Ac-qui-esce, v. to yield, to 
Ad-ver-tise, v. to make known 
Am-bus-cade, s. a place where 
men hide to surprise others 
An-i-mose, a. full of spirit 
Ap-per-tain, n. v. to belong to 
Ap-pre-hend, a. v. to seize, ar- 
rest; to conceive in the mind 
As-cer-tain, v. to make certain 



ACCENTED ON THE FIRST. 

Bad-i-nage, s. light or playful 
discourse [pillars 

Bal-us-trade, s. a row of small 
Bar-na-cle, s. a shell-fish 
Bar-bar-ous,tf. cruel, ignorant, 

savage 
Bar-ris-ter, s. a legal pleader 
Bar-ri-er, s. a defence, a bar 
Ben-e-fice, s. a church living 
Ben-e-fit, s. kindness, profit 
Bev-er-age, s. a drink 
Bi-na-ry, a. composed of two 
Big-ot-ry, s. blind zeal 
Bland-ish-ment, s. soft speech, 

conciliating treatment 
Bois-ter-ous, a. loud, stormy 



Adjutant.— This is the name given to a large bird of the crane 
kind, well known in India, and which it seems to have derived from 
its appearing at a distance like a person in a military undress. This 

bird is full five feet high ; and 
when the wings are extended, 
it measures nearly fifteen feet 
from one extremity to the 
other. The beak is thick and 
strong ; it opens back into the 
head, and is sufficiently large 
to enclose a full- grown goose. 
The head and neck are bare, 
except where deformed by 
wens, and by thin patches of 
curly hair. From the bottom 
of the neck a large pouch 
hangs over the breast, thinly 
covered with short feathers, 
and terminated by a hairy tuft. 
The shoulders project consider- 
ably from the union of the neck 
with the trunk, and are edged 
with soft white feathers: the 
wings and back are blue. 

The Adjutant has been term- 
ed the scavenger of India, and 
not improperly, as it removes 
large quantities of refuse and 
filth, which, in that hot climate, would soon become an intolerable 
nuisance. So ravenous are these birds, and so voracious is their appe- 




WORDS OF THREE SYLLABLES. 



123 



Brack-ish-ness,s.slight saltness 
Bra-ve-ry, s. courage 
Brev-i-ty, s. shortness 
Bril-li-ant, a. sparkling 

ACCENTED ON THE SECOND. 

Bal-co-ny, s. a small gallery 

outside of a house 
Bal-sam-ic, a. healing 
Be -reave -merit, 5. a great loss 
Be-wil-der, a. v. to mislead 
Bom-bast-ic, a. high sounding 
Bra-va-do, s. a boast 

ACCENTED ON THE LAST. 

Bag-a-telle, bag-at-el, s. a trifle 
Bas-ti-nade, a. v. to beat 
Bom-ba-sin, 5. a silky stuff 
Bri-ga-dier,s. a military officer 

ACCENTED ON THE FIRST. 

Cal-um-ny, 5. slander [a place 
Can-di-date, s. one who sues for 
Can-ni-baJ, s. one who eats 

human flesh 
Can-ti-cle, s. a pious song 
Ca-pa-ble, a. qualified, able 



Cap-ti-vate, a. v. to charm 
Car-di-nal, a. principal 
Car-i-ous, a. rotten, decayed 
Car-ri-on, s. putrid flesh 
Cas-ti-gate, v. a. to beat, to 

chastise, to punish 
Cas-u-al, a. uncertain 
Cas-u-ist, 5. a disputant 
Cat-a-comb, s. a cavern for the 

burial of the dead 
Cat-e-chise, a. v. kat-e-kise, to 

instruct by question 
Cath-ol-ic, a. universal 
Cav-al-ry, s. horse soldiers 
Cav-i-ty, s. a hollow place 
Cel-e-brate, a. v. to distinguish 
Cen-o-taph, s. a monument for 

one buried elsewhere 
Cen-tu-ry, 5. a hundred years 
Cer-e-bral, a. belonging to the 
Cer-ti-fy, a. v. to assure [brain 
Char-la-tan, s. shar-le-tan, an 

ignorant pretender; a quack, 

a cheat 
Chas-tise-ment, s. punishment 
Chol-er-ic, kol-er-ic, a, pas- 
sionate, offensive, ireful 



tite, that they will swallow large bones, and even tortoises ; they will 
devour rats and hares ; also snakes, lizards, frogs, and various 
kinds of vermin. These birds generally station themselves near 
the doors of the European cooking rooms, ready to seize the offal 
which may be thrown out; and furious battles often take place 
for the possession of the spoils which are occasionally presented to 
their watchful eyes. While they are thus fighting, the clapping of 
their wings is a signal to waiting kites and crows, numbers of 
which immediately surround them ; and one of these attentive and 
active spectators will commonly avail himself of the disputes of the 
adjutants to carry off the prize for which they are contending. 

The Adjutant is by no means a handsome bird, and it has many 
disgusting habits ; but the natives view it with a kind of superstitious 
regard, and the Europeans consider it as a great benefactor to man, 
in removing those impurities which would soon prove offensive and 
dangerous : hence its presence is tolerated, and it generally escapes 
molestation. How truly is it said, that God has made nothing in 
vain ! 



124 



WORDS OF THREE SYLLABLES. 



Chas-ti-ty, s. purity 
Chor-is-ter,s. a singer in choir 
Chiv- al-rous, a. adventurous 
Chron-i-cle, s. a record, history 
Cir-cu-late, v. to move round 
Cir-cum-spect,<z. prudent, cau- 
Cit-a-del, a. a fortress [tious 
Civ-il-ize, a. v. to polish, to 

reclaim [nate 

Clam-or-ous, a. loud, importu- 
Clar-i-fy, a. v. to make clear 
Clas-si-fy, v. a. to arrange 
Cog-ni-zance, s. knowledge 
Col-lo-quy, s. a discourse, talk 
Com-bat-ant, s. one who fights 
Com-pe-tent, a. fit, qualified 
Com-pli-cate, a. entangled 
Com-pro-mise, v. to settle by 

mutual concessions 
Con-fer-ence, 5. a discussion 
Con-gru-ous, a. consistent 
Con-ju-gal, a. belonging to 

marriage 
Con-ju-gate, a. v. to unite 
Con-sci-ous, hon-she-us, v. a. 

inwardly persuaded 
Con-se-crate, #.to make sacred 
Con-so-nant, a. agreeable 
Con-sti-tute, a. v. to make, to 

depute, to appoint 
Con-tem-plate, v. to meditate 
Con-tra-band, a. prohibited 
Con-tro-vert, v. to dispute 
Con- tume-ly, s. rudeness, scorn 
Con-ver-sant, a. acquainted 
Co-pi- ous, a. abundant, full 
Cop-u-late, v. to mix, to unite 
Cor-di-al, a. sincere ; reviving 
Cov-e-nant, s. an agreement 
Coun-te-nance, a. v. to favour 
Coun-ter-feit, 5. an imposture 
Cour-te-sy, s. civility, favour 
Cred-it-or, s. one who trusts 
Cred-u-lous, a. apt to believe 



Crim-i-nal, a. a guilty person 
Crit-i-cal, a. judicious, exact 
Cru-ci-ble, s. a melting pot 
Crys-tal-line, a. clear, bright 
Cul-pa-ble, a. blameable [till 
Cul-ti-vate, a. v. to improve, to 
Cu-ri-ous, a. inquisitive ; rare 
Cur>so-ry, a. hasty, careless 
Cur-va-ture, 5. a bent line 
Cus-to-dy, s. imprisonment 
Cu-ti-cle, 5. the outer skin 
Cyn-i-cal, a. churlish 

ACCENTED ON THE SECOND. 

Ca-rous-al, 5. a festival 
Ces-sa-tion, s. a stop, rest 
Ci-ta-tion, s. a summons 
Clan-des-tine, a. secret, sly 
Co-e-qual, a. equal with 
Co-er-cive, a. restraining 
Co-e-val, a. of the same age 
Co-he-rence, s. connexion 
Col-lap-sed, a. fallen together 
Col-la-tion, s a repast 
Col-lu-sive, a. fraudulent 
Com-bus-tion, s. a burning 
Com-mit-tee, 5. a select few 
Com-mo-tion, s. a tumult 
Com-pas-sion, s. pity, feeling 
Com-pen-sate, a. v. to reward 
Com-pla-cent, a. civil, kind 
Com-punc-tion, s. remorse 
Con-ceit-ed, 5. affected 
Con-ces-sion, s. a granting 
Con-cise-ly, ad. briefly, com- 
pactly 
Con-clu-sive, a. decisive 
Con-cur-rence, s. assent 
Con-cus-sion, s. a mutual shock 
Con-den-sate, a. to thicken 
Con-di-tion, s. a stipulation 
Con-du-cive, a. promoting 
Con-fine-ment, s. restraint 
Con-fu-sion, s. disorder 



WORDS OF THREE SYLLABLES. 



125 



Con-jec-ture, s. a supposition 
Con-junc-ture, s. a critical time 
Con-ni-vance, s. pretended ig- 
norance ; allowance 
Con-sis-tent, a. fixed, firm 
Con-tem-plate, «?. to meditate 
Con-tin-ue, v. to persevere 
Con-tor-tion, s. a twist 
Con-trib-ute, a. v. to bear a part 
Con-tri-tion, s. repentance 
Con-vic-tion, s. full proof 
Cor-ro-sive, a. wearing away 
Cre-a-tive, s. giving life 

ACCENTED ON THE LAST. 

Cav-al-cade, s. a procession of 

horsemen 
Cir-cum-vent, v. to over-reach 
Co-a-lesce, v. to unite 
Co-in-cide, n. v. to agree with 
Com-pre-hend, n. v. to include 
Con-de-scend, v. to descend 

to, to grant kindly 
Con-tra-dict, v. to deny, oppose 
Cor-res-pond, v . to suit, agree 
Coun-ter-act, a. v. to hinder 
Coun-ter-mand, a. v. to repeal 

a command 

ACCENTED ON THE FIRST. 

Dec-a-logue, s. the ten com- 
mandments 
De-ci-mal, a. numbered by ten 
Dec-or-ate, a. v. to embellish 
Ded-i-cate, a. v. to devote 
Def-er-ence, s. respect 
Def-in-ite, a. limited, precise 
Del-e-gate, s. a deputy 
Del-i-cate, a. dainty, pleasant 
De-pre-cate, v. to pray against 
Den-si- ty, s. thickness 
Dep-u-ty, s. a substitute 
Der-e-lict, a. utterly forsaken 
Der-o-gate, v. to disparage 



Des-o-late, a. laid waste 
Des-per-ate, a. hopeless, mad 
Des-pot-ism, s. absolute power 
Des-ti-ny, s. fate, doom 
Des-e-crate, v. a. to profane 
Des-ti-tute, a. forsaken 
Det-ri-ment, s. damage, loss 
De-vi-ous, a. swerving from 
Di-a-lect, s. mode of speech 
Di-a-logue, s. a conversation 
Di-a-ry, s. a daily record 
Dif-fer-ent, a. not agreeing 
Dif-fi-dence, s. bashfulness 
Dif-fi-cult, a. troublesome 
Dig-ni-ty, s. grandeur, honour 
Dil-i-gent, a. assiduous [der 
Dis-ci-pline, s. regularity, or- 
Dis-pu-tant, s. a reasoner 
Dis-si-pate, a. v. to disperse 
Dis-so-lute, a. profligate [cal 
Dis-so-nant, a. harsh, unmusi- 
Div-i-dend, s. a share [ment 
Doc-u-ment, s. a written state- 
Dog-ged-ly, ad. sullenly 
Dol-or-ous, a. sorrowful [ing 
Dom-i-cile, 5. a private dwell- 
Dom-in-ant, a. ruling 
Don-a-tive, s. a gift 
Du-bi-ous, a. uncertain 
Dun-ge-on, s. a dark prison 
Du-pli-cate, s. an exact copy 
Du-ra-ble, a. lasting, firm 
Du-ti-ful, a. obedient 
Dy-nas-ty, s. a government 

ACCENTED ON THE SECOND. 

De-ci-pher, a. v. to explain 
De-ci-sive, a. conclusive 
De-co-rum, 5. decency, order 
De-crep-it, a. feeble, old 
De-fec-tion, s. failure, revolt 
De-lin-quent, s. an offender 
De-liv-er, a. #.to save, to sur- 
De-lu-sion,a. deception[render 



126 



WORDS OF THREE SYLLABLES. 



De-mean- our, s. behaviour 
De-mol-ish, a. v. to destroy 
De-mon-strate, a. v. to prove 
De-mure-ly, ad. solemnly 
De-pen-dent, s. one subject to 

another 
De-po-nent, s. a witness on oath 
De-port-ment, s. manner of act- 
De-pos-it, a.v. to lay down [ing 
De-ri-sion, s. contempt 
De-scrip-tive, a. characteristic 
De-si-rous, a. wishing for, eager 
De-ter-mine, v. to fix, to decide 
De-spite-ful, a. malicious 
De-vel-op, a. v. to unfold 
Di-gres-sion, s. a deviation 
Di-min-ish, a. v. to lessen 
Di-men-sion, s. bulk, extent 
Dis-as-ter, s. misfortune 
Dis-ci-ple, s. a follower 
Dis-clo-sure, s. a revealing 
Dis-cov-er, a. v. to find out 
Dis-cred-it, s. distrust, re- 
proach 
Dis-cre-tion, s. prudence 
Dis-grace-ful, a. ignominious 
Dis-hon-est, a. void of probity 
Dis-man-tle, v. to strip, destroy 
Dis-po-sal, s. a regulation 
Dis-sem-ble, v. to pretend 
Dis-tem-per, s. a disease 
Dis-tin-guish, a. v. to discern 
Dis-tri-bute, a, v. to deal out 
Dis-turb-ance, s. confusion 
Do-mes-tic, a. homely 
Do-na-tion, s. a gift, bounty 

ACCENTED ON THE LAST. 

De-bon-air, a. elegant, gay 
Dis-ap-prove, v. to dislike 
Dis-com-pose, a. v. to disturb 
Dis-ha-bille, 5. an undress 
Dis-re-pute, s. discredit 
Dis-u-nite, a. v. to separate 



ACCENTED ON THE EIR9T. 

Ear- nest- ly, ad. eagerly 
Ec-sta-cy, s. excessive joy 
Ed-i-ble, a. fit to be eaten 
Ed-i-fice, 5. a building 
Ed-i-fy, v. to improve 
Ed-i-tor, s. one who prepares 

a book for publication 
E-go-tism, s. self-praise 
El-e-gant, a. neat, graceful 
El-e-gy, s. a funeral poem 
El-e-ment, s. a first principle 
El-e-vate, v. to raise, to dignify 
El-o-quence, s. fluent language 
Em-a-nate, n. v. to issue from 
Em-bry-o, s. anything unfin- 
ished, or merely planned 
Em-i-grate, v. to remove 
Em-i-nent,«. lofty, conspicuous 
Em-pha-sis, s. force of the voice 
Em-u-late, a. v. to rival 
En-e-my, s. an opponent, a foe 
En-er-gy, s. force, efficacy 
En-mi-ty, s. hatred, ill-will 
En-ter-prise, s. a hazardous 

undertaking 
En-ti-ty, s. a real existence 
Ep-i-taph, s. an inscription on 

a monument for the dead 
E-qua-ble, a. even, uniform 
E -quip -age, s. a retinue 
E-qui-poise, s. an equality of 

weight, a balance 
E-qui-ty, s. justice, impartiality 
Er-u-dite, s. learned 
Es-cu-lent, a. good for food 
Es-ti-mate, v. to set a value on 
Eth-i-cal, a. treating of morals 
Eu-lo-gy, s. praise 
Eu-pho-ny, s. a sweet sound 
Ev-i-dence, s. testimony 
Ev-i-dent, a. apparent, plain 
Ex-ca-vate, a. v. to cut into 







WORDS OF THREE SYLLABLES. 



127 



Ex-cel-lent, a. that which ex- 
Ex-e-crate, a. v. to curse [eels 
Ex-e-cute, a. v. to perform 
Ex-er-cise, s. practice 
Ex-i-gent, a. pressing 
Ex-o-dus, s. a going forth 
Ex-pe-dite, a. v. to hasten 
Ex-pi-ate, a. v. to atone for 
Ex-qui-site, a. excellent 
Ex-tri-cate, a. v. to set free 

ACCENTED ON THE SECOND. 

Ec-cen-tric, a. irregular [able 
Ef-fec-tive, a. active, service- 
Ef-ful-gence, s. brightness 
E -las- tic, a. springing back 
Ec-lec-tic, a. selecting 
E-li-cit, a. v. to draw forth 
Em-bar-rass, a. v. to perplex 
Em-bar-go, s. a prohibition 
Em-bel-lish, a. v. to adorn 
Em-bez-zle, a. v. to steal ; to 
violate a trust 



E-mer-gence, s. a sudden pres- 
Em-phat-ic, a. forcible [sure 
Em-pow-er, a. v. to authorize 
En-act-ment, s. a legal decree 
En-coun-ter, v. to meet with 
En-cou-rage, a. v. to animate 
En-croach-ment, s. an intrusion 
En-deav-our, s. a labour for 
some certain end [tion 

En-dorse-ment, 5. a superscrip- 
En-er-vate, a. v. to weaken 
En-fran-chise, a. v. to make 

free 
En-gage-ment, s. a conflict ; 

an obligation; a contract 
E-nig-ma, s. an obscure ques- 
tion, a riddle 
En-li-ven, a. v. to make lively 
E-nor-mous, a. excessive 
En-sur-ance, s. security- 
En- vel-ope, a. v. to enclose 
En-vi-ron, a. v. to surround 
E -pis- tie, s. a letter 



Elephant. — From a remote period the Elephant has been an 
important servant to the human race, especially in those regions of 
which it is a native. The Elephant was once a terrific auxiliary to 




the force of armies. * Wooden towers were placed upon its back, 
filled with soldiers trained to discharge various missiles against the 
foe ; the beast himself being protected in front by a species of armour 



128 



WORDS OF THREE SYLLABLES. 



Er-ra-ta, s. errors in printing 
Er-rat-ic, a. wandering 
Es-tab-lish, a. v. to make firm 
E-ter-nal, a. perpetual, endless 
E-va-sion, s an excuse 
Ex-ac-tion, s. extortion 
Ex-am-ine, a. v. to inquire into 
Ex- am-ple, s. a pattern 
Ex-cerp-tion, s. a selection 
Ex-ces-sive, a. beyond due 

bounds 
Ex-clu-sive, a. leaving out 
Ex-cul-pate, a. v. to clear from 

an imputation of guilt 
Ex-hi~bit, a. v. to display 
Ex-ist-ence, s state of being 
Ex-ot-ic, a. foreign 
Ex-pan-sive. a. spreading out 
Ex-pli-cit, a. clear, plain 
Ex-ter-nal, a. outward 
Ex-tin-guish, a. v. to put out 
Ex-tir-pate, a. v. to root out 



ACCENTED ON THE FIRST. 

Fab-ri-cate,a.«;.to make, invent 
Fac-to ry, 5. a repository for 

merchandize 
Fac-ul-ty, s. ability, power, 
Fal-la-cy, s. an illusion 
Fal-li-ble, a. liable to error 
Fan-ta-sy, s. imagination 
Fat-u-ous, a. foolish 
Fea-si-ble, a. practicable 
Fec-u-lent, a. foul, full of dregs 
Fed-e-ral, a. leagued [ment 
Fes-ti-va], s. a day for enjoy - 
Fil-a-ment, s. a thread, a fibre 
FiH-al, a. pertaining to a son 
Fir-ma-ment, 5. the sky 
Fla-gel-late, v. a. to scourge 
Flat-u-lent, a. windy, empty 
Flex-i-ble, a. easily bent 
Fluc-tu-ate, n. v. to waver 
Fo-li-age, s. leaves 



capable of resisting the weapons in ordinary use. With his stupend- 
ous strides he could bear down whole ranks of infantry, thus enabling 
the soldiers he carried to make their attacks with tenfold effect. 
When Pyrrhus, king of Epirus, invaded the Roman territoiw, he 
brought with him a numerous body of elephants, carefully trained, 
and by their aid defeated the Romans with great slaughter. The 
Romans, however, resorted to several artifices, which ultimately 
scared the elephants, making their dangerous attributes to recoil 
upon their own masters. In modern times, in consequence of the 
introduction of field artillery, the Elephant has been rendered useless 
in warfare, as a ball from a nine, or even a six-pounder, is suf- 
ficient to kill the largest. But Elephants still form an important 
feature in the equipage of Oriental monarchs, who were the last to 
employ them in military service. In all processions the monarch 
ride's on an elephant, and his dignity is estimated by the number of 
Elephants in his train. The tower, or pavilion, fitted on the animal's 
back, for the accommodation of the riders, is in India called a 
Howdah. — The Elephant is also employed in tiger hunting, on 
which occasion the hunters shoot at the tiger from the howdah ; 
but the Elephant sometimes rushes upon the prey himself, goring it 
with his tusks, and with such force, that all his riders have been 
thrown to the ground. The sagacity and docility of this animal 
render it useful for a variety of domestic purposes. 



WORDS OF THREE SYLLABLES. 



120 



Ford-a-ble, s. passable without 

swimming 
For-ge-ry, s. a counterfeit 
For-ti-fy, a. v. to strengthen 
For-ti-tude, s. firmness of mind 
For-tu-nate, a. successful 
Frac-ti-ous, a. peevish 
Fran-gi-ble, a. easily broken 
Fra-tri-cide, s. the murderer of 

a brother 
Frip-pe-ry, s. tawdry clothes 
Friv-o-lous, a. silly, trifling 
Fruc-ti-fy, v. to make fruitful 
Fu-gi-tive, a. unsteady, flying 
Ful-mi-nate, v. to thunder 
Fu-mi-gate, v. to perfume by 
.smoke or vapour. [dead 
Fu-ne-ral, s. a burial of the 
Fu-ri-ous, a. violent, fierce 
Fur-ni-ture, s. household goods 
Fu-si-ble, a. capable of being 

melted 

ACCENTED ON THE SECOND. 

Fan-at-ic, s. a man with wild 
notions [whimsical 

Fan-tas-tic, a. capricious, 
Far-ra-go, s. a confused mass 
Fra-ter-nal, a. brotherly 
Fru-i-tion, s. enjoyment, pos- 
session 

ACCENTED ON THE FIRST. 

Gar-ni-ture, s. ornament 
Gar-ru-lous, a. talkative 
Gen-e-ral, a. usual, common 
Gen-e-rous, a. liberal, noble 
Ge-ni-al, a. nourishing 
Ge-ni-us, s, intellectual power 
Gen-u-ine, a. not spurious 
Ger-mi-nate, v. to put forth 
buds [unusual words 

Glos-sa-ry, s. a dictionary of 
Gor-ge-ous, a. splendid 



Glu-ti-nous, a. clammy, adhe- 
sive, viscous, tenacious 

Gor-man-dize,v. to eat greedily 

Gov-er-nor, s. a ruler 

Gra-du-a], a. done by degrees 

Gra-na-ry, s. a storehouse for 
thrashed corn 

Gran-u-late, a. v. to form into 
small grains 

Grav-i-tate, v. to press down- 
wards by weight 

Gra-phi-cal, s. well delineated 

Gut-tu-ral, a. uttered in the 
throat 

ACCENTED ON THE SECOND. 

Gi-gan-tic, a. of large stature 
Gro-tesque-ly, gro-tesk-ly, ad. 
in a fantastic manner 

ACCENTED ON THE LAST. 

Gas-con-ade, s. a boast [dier 

Gren-a-dier, s. a tall foot sol- 

Gua-ran-tee, v. a. to answer for 

a performance, to assure 

ACCENTED ON THE FIRST. 

Hal-cy-on, a. peaceful, calm 
Hand-i-craft, s, a trade 
Har-bin-ger, s. a forerunner 
Har-mo-ny, 5. melody, plea- 
sant sound 
Hec-a-tomb, s. a sacrifice of 
one hundred oxen [globe 
Hem-i-sphere, s. half of a 
Hep-ta-gon, s, a figure of seven 

equal sides 
Her-e-sy, s. a religious error 
Hes-i-tate, v, to pause, to delay 
Hex-a-gon, s. a figure of six 

equal sides 
His-to-ry, s .. a narration of facts 
Hor-ta-tive, a. encouraging 
Hur-ri-cane, s. a violent storm 
g2 



130 



WORDS OF THREE SYLLABLES. 



Hos-pi-tal, 5. a house for the 

sick and poor, an asylum 
Hus-band-ry, s. tillage [eies 
Hy-brid-ous, a. of mixed spe- 
Hyp-o-crite, s. a dissembler 

ACCENTED ON THE SECOND. 

Har-mon-ic, a. musical 
Ho-ri-zon, s. the circle which 
bounds our view [women 
Hys-ter-ics, s. fits peculiar to 

ACCENTED ON THE FIRST. 

Id-i-om, s. a particular mode 
of speech [ing faculties 

Id-i-ot, s. one without reason- 
I-dol-ize, a. v. to doat on 
Ig-no-rant, a. void of know- 
ledge 
Im-mi-nent, a. impending 
Im-mo-late, a. v. to sacrifice 
Im-pli-cate, a. v. to involve 
Im-po-tent, a. unable, feeble 
Im-pre-cate, v. to curse 
In-ci-dent, s. an event 
In-cho-ate, a. v. to commence 
In-di-cate, a. v. to point out 
In-di-gent, a. poor, needy 
In-dus-try, s. diligence 
In-fan-try, 5. foot soldiers 
In-fer-ence, s. a conclusion 
In-fm-ite, a. unbounded [bias 
In-flu-ence, s. to act upon, to 
In-ju-ry, s. wrong, damage 
In-no-vate, v. to introduce no- 
velties, or changes 
In-so-lent, a. overbearing 
In-sti-gate, v, to excite to ill 
In-te-gral, a. whole, unbroken 
In-tel-lect,s. the understanding 
In-ter-course ; 5. communication 
In-ter-dict, s. a prohibition 
In-ter-val, s. space between 
In-ter-view, s. a joint meeting 
In-tri-cate a. perplexed 



In-vo-cate, a. v. to call upon 
I-so-late, v. a. to separate 
Jea-lou-sy, s. suspicion 
Jeo-par-dy, s. danger, peril 
Jus-ti-fy, a. v. to vindicate 
Ju-ven-ile, a. youthful 

ACCENTED ON THE SECOND. 

I-de-al, a. mental, imaginary 
Ig-no-ble, a. of mean birth 
Il-li-cit, a. unlawful 
Im-a-gine, v. to conceive 
Im-be-cile, a. feeble [death 
Im-mor-tal, a. exempt from 
Im-pli-cit, a. without reserve 
Im-pos-tor, 5. a pretender 
Im-prove-ment, s. a progress 

from good to better 
In-cen-tive, s. a motive 
In-ces-sant, a. unceasing 
In-ci-sion, s. a cutting -. 
In-cle-ment, a. severe 
In-clu-sive, a. comprehending 
In-cul-cate, a. v. to teach 

to enforce, to admonish 
In-fec-tion, s taint, poison 
In-he-rent, a. innate, inborn 
In-hib-it, a. v. to forbid 
In-hu-man, a. cruel, savage 
In-qui-ry, s. an examination 
In- sip-id, a. tasteless, dull 
In- sol-vent, a. unable to pay 
In-stant-er, ad. without delay 
In-sur-gent, s. a rebel 
In-ter-ment. s. a burial 
In-ter-pret, a. v. to explain 
In-tes-tate, a. not having made 
In-tes-tine, a. internal [a will 
In-tre-pid, a. courageous 
In-trin-sic, a. internal, real 
ln-tru-der, s. an encroacher 
In-vec-tive, s. satire, abuse 
In-vei-gle, a. v. to allure, to 

entice, to entrap 
In-un-date, v. to overflow 



WORDS OF THREE SYLLABLES. 



131 



ACCENTED ON THE LAST. 

Im-por-tune, a. v. to teaze, to 

harrass by intreaties 
In-com-mode, a. v. to annoy 
In-di-rect, a. unfair ; oblique 
In-ter-cede, v. to mediate 
ln-ter-cept,<2.v. to stop, to seize 
In-ter-dict, a. v. to prohibit 
In-ter-sect, a. v. to cross 
In-ter-sperse, a. v. to scatter 
In-ter-vene, v. to come between 

ACCENTED ON THE FIRST. 

Lat-e-ral, a. placed, or growing 

out on the side 
Lat-i-tude, s. breadth, extent 
Laud-a-ble, a. praiseworthy 
Lax-a-tive, a. loosening 
Leg-a-cy, s. a bequest 
Leg-i-ble, a. easy to be read 
Leg-is-late, n. v. to make laws 
Le-ni-ent, a. softening 
Len-i-tive, a. palliative 
Lev-i-ty, s. unsteadiness 
Li-a-ble, a. subject to, exposed 
Li-bel-lous, a. slanderous 
Lib-e-ral, a. bountiful, free 
Lig-a-ture, s. a bandage 
Lin-e-al, a. descending in a 

right line 
Li-que-fy, v. to dissolve 
Li-qui-date, a.v.to lessen debts 
Lit-a-ny, s. a general prayer 
Lit-e-ral, a. exact in letters 
Lit-i-gate, v. to contest in law 
Lit-ur-gy, s. a public form of 

prayer 
Lo-gi-cal, a. correct in argu- 
Lu-cra-tive, a. profitable [ment 
Lu-min-ous, a. shining 
Lu-na-cy, s. madness 
Lus-ci-ous, lush-us, s. sweet 
Lux-u-ry, s. delicious enjoy- 
ment 



ACCENTED ON THE SECOND. 

La-con-ic, s. concise, short 
Le-ga-tion, s. an embassy 
Le-thar-gic, a. sleepy, heavy 
Lieu-te-nant, s. lef-ten-ant, a 

deputy in command 
Lo-ca-tion, s. a situation 
Lo-qua-cious, a. talkative 
Ly-ce-um, s. an academy 

ACCENTED ON THE FIRST. 

Ma-ce-rate, v. to make lean ; 

to steep almost to solution 
Mach-i-nate, v. mah-e-nate, to 

contrive, to make schemes 
Ma-gis-trate, s. one vested with 

authority 
Mag-ni-tude, s greatness 
Main-ten-ance, s. support 
Mal-a-dy, s. disease, sickness 
Mal-con-tent, a. discontented 
Man-a-cle, a. v. to fetter 
Man-i-fold, a. numerous 
Man-u-al,tf. performed by the 

hand 
Man-u-script, s. a writing 
Ma-ri-time, a. relating to the 
Mar-vel-lous, a. wonderful [sea 
Mas-sa-cre, s. massa-Jcer, mur- 
der, indiscriminate slaughter 
Mas-ter-ly, a. skilful, bold 
Me-di^ate, v. to interpose 
Med-i-cate, v. to heal or cure 
Mem-or-y, s. recollection 
Men-di-cant, s. a beggar 
Mer-can-tile, a. commercial 
Mer-ci-ful, a. tender, kind 
Mes-sen-ger, s. one who carries 

a message, a forerunner 
Me-te-or, s. a luminous body 
Mi-cro-cosm, s. the little world 
Mil-i-tate, v. to oppose [ret 
Min-a-ret s. a high slender tur- 



132 



WORDS OF THREE SYLLABLES. 



Min-is-try, s. agency, service, 
attendance [human power 
Mir-a-cle, s. an action above 
Mis-an-thrope, s. a hater of 
Mis-e-ry, s. distress [mankind 
Mit-i-gate, a. v. to alleviate 
Mod-i-cum,s. a small pittance 
Mod-i-fy, v. to regulate 
Moi-e-ty, s. an equal part 
Mol-li-ent, a. softening 
Mon-ar-chy, s. a kingly govern- 
ment [or instructs 
Mon-i-tor, s. one who warns 
Mor-tal-ly, ad. irrecoverably, 

deadly 
Mor-ti-fy, v. to vex, to humble 
Moun-te-bank, s. a vain pre- 
tender, a buffoon [shapes 
Mul-ti-form, a. having various 
Mul-ti-ply, v. to increase in 

number 
Mu-ni-ment, s. a support 
Mus-cu-lar, a. having strong 

muscles 
Mu-ta-ble, a. inconstant 
Mu-tin-ous, a. refractory 
Mu-tu-al, a. reciprocal 
Myr-i-ad, s. ten thousand 
Myr-mid-on, s. a hired ruffian 
Mys-ti-fy , a. v. to make obscure 

ACCENTED ON THE SECOND. 

Ma-jes-tic, a. august, stately 
Ma-lig-nant, a. malicious 
Ma-nceu-vre, 5. ma-tiu-ver, a 
skilful movement 

ACCENTED ON THE FIRST. 

Nar-ra-tive, s. a relation 
Nav-i-gate, v. to sail 
Neg-li-gent, a. careless 
Ni-ce-ty, s. accuracy, delicacy 
Nom-i-nal, a. in name only 
Nom-i-nate, a. v. to appoint 



No-ti-fy, a. v. to make known 
Nu-me-rate, a. v. to count 
Nun-ne-ry, s. a house for nuns 
Nu-tri-tive, a. nourishing 

ACCENTED ON THE FIRST. 

Op-por-tune, a, convenient 
Or-a-tor, s. an accomplished 
public speaker [a law 

Or-di-nance, 5. an injunction, 
O-ri-ent, s. the east 
Or-i-fice, s. an opening 
Or-i-gin, s. the beginning 
Or-i-son, s. a prayer 
O-ver-ture, s. a proposal 

ACCENTED ON THE LAST. 

O-ver-bear, a. v. to repress 
O-ver-come, a. v. to subdue 
O-ver-reach, a. v. to deceive 
O-ver-whelm, a. v. to crush 

ACCENTED ON THE FIRST. 

Pa-ci-fy, a. v. to appease 
Pal-li-ate, a. v. to mitigate 
Pal-pa-ble, a. that which may 

be easily felt 
Par-a-ble, s. a similitude 
Par-a-dox, s. a seeming con- 
tradiction 
Par-a-gon, s. an example 
Par-a-graph, s. a distinct part 

of a discourse 
Par-a-pet, s. a wall breast high 
Par-a-phrase, s. a familiar in- 
terpretation 
Par-a-site, s. a flatterer 
Par-i-ty, s. likeness, equality 
Pa-rox-ysm, s. a fit, an extacy 
Pa-vil-ion, s. a tent ( see note) 
Pa-tri-arch, s. the head of a 

family 
Pau-ci-ty, s. smallness of 
number [breast 

Pec-to-ral, a. belonging to the 



WORDS OF THREE SYLLABLES. 



133 



Pec-u-late, v. to defraud 
Ped-es-tal, s. the basis of a 
Pel-li-cle, s. a thin skin [pillar 
Pen-al-ty, 5. fine ; punishment 
Pen-du-lous, a. hanging 
Pen-e-trate, a- v. to pierce 
Pen-ta-gon, s. a figure of five 

angles 
Pen-u-ry, s. extreme want 
Per-e-grine, a. foreign 
Per-fi-dy, s. treachery [a tool 
Per-fo-rate, a. v. to bore with 
Per-il ous, a. hazardous 
Per-ju-ry, s. false swearing 
Per-ma-nent, a. lasting 
Per-me-ate, v. to pass through 
Per-se-cute, a. v. to harrass 
Per-ti-nent, a. fit, apposite 
Pet-ri-fy, v. to become stone 
Pet-u-lant, a. saucy, perverse 
Pit-e-ous, a. sorrowful 
Plac-a-ble, a. easily appeased 
Ple-o-nasm, s. in rhetoric a 

redundancy of words 
Poig-nan-cy, s. acuteness 



Po-li-ty, s. civil government 
Po-ly-gon, s. a figure of many 

angles 
Pon-der-ous, a. weighty [ried 
Port-a-ble, a. that may be car- 
Pos-i-tive, a. sure, certain 
Post-hu-mous, a. published 

after a person's death 
Pre-am-ble, s. an introduction 
Pre-ce-dent, s. example 
Pre-ci-piee, s. a steep place 
Pre-mi-um, s. a reward 
Pre-sci-ence, pre-she-ense, s. 

foreknowledge 
Pri-ma-ry, a. first in order 
Prim-i-tive, a. ancient, original 
Prin-ci-ple, s. first cause, mo- 
tive ; a fundamental truth 
Priv-i-lege, s. peculiar advan- 
tage, an immunity 
Priv-i-ty, s. private knowledge 
Prob-a-ble, a. likely 



Prod-i-gy, 

natural or common 
excites astonishment 



any thing not 
that 



Pavilion. — The 
antiquity of the Em- 
pire of China, its ex- 
tent of population, 
and the singular 
manners of its people, 
give interest to al- 
most every subject 
connected with that 
country. The pecu- 
liar style of architec- 
ture adopted by the 
Chinese, usually at- 
tracts the attention 
of strangers. There is a great sameness in the general appearance, 
though the details admit of much variety. The shape of their roofs, 
whatever be the description of building, is nearly alike ; resembling, 
probably, the roofs of the tents in which their forefathers dwelt in 
their primitive pastoral state. In all their edifices there is an appa- 
rent want of solidity; which appearance is increased by their frequent 




134 



WORDS OF THREE SYLLABLES. 



Pro-gen-y, s. offspring 
Prom-i-nent, s. jutting out 
Promp-ti-tude, a. readiness 
Pro-phe-sy, v. to foretell 
Pros-e-lyte, s. a convert 
Prov-en-der, s. food for cattle 
Pu-er-ile, a. childish [powder 
Pul-ver-ize, a. v. to reduce to 
Pu-ri-fy, a. v. to make pure 

ACCENTED ON THE SECOND. 

Pa-cif-ic, a. peaceable 
Pa-ter-nal, a. fatherly 
Pel-lu-cid, a. clear, bright 
Per-spec-tive, a. relating to 

the science of vision 
Pe-ru-sal, 5. a reading over 
Pre-ce-dent, a. going before 
Pre-cur-sor, s. a forerunner 
Pri-me-val, a. original 
Pro-due -tive, a. fertile 
Pro-gres-sive, a. going for- 
ward, advancing 
Pro-hib-it, a. v. to forbid 
Pro-lif-ic, a. fruitful 



Pro-mul-gate, a. v. to publish 
Pur-su-ant, a. done in conse- 
quence [victuals 
Pur-vey-or, s. one who provides 

ACCENTED ON THE LAST. 

Pal-i-sade, s. a paling 
Per-se-vere, v. to persist 
Pre-ma-ture, a. ripe too soon ; 
too hasty 

ACCENTED ON THE FIRST. 

Quad-ran-gle, s. a figure of 
four angles [animal 

Quad-ru-ped, 5. a four-footed 
Q,ual-i-fy, a. v. to make fit 
Quer-u-lous, a. complaining 
Q,uin-tu-ple, a. five-fold 
Quo-ti-ent, s* the number ob- 
tained by division 

ACCENTED ON THE FIRST. 

Ra-di-ant, a. bright, shining 
Rad-i-cal, a. primitive ; funda- 
mental, essential 



use of wooden columns, in most cases thin in proportion to their 
height. The origin of stone pillars in European architecture was, 
no doubt, the use of trunks of large trees tapering towards the top : 
the use of the bamboo seems to have been the origin of Chinese pil- 
lars ; and their slender form and equal thickness give them a close 
resemblance to the bamboo stalk. These peculiarities may be clearly 
observed in the annexed engraving, which represents a Chinese 
garden Pavilion. 

The circumstances which render Chinese architecture defective 
for ordinary purposes, give it peculiar advantages where lightness 
and elegance are required. To add to the picturesque effect of these 
garden Pavilions, they are built frequently in the midst of a sheet 
of water, and approached by bridges. They are handsome structures, 
and form cool and refreshing retreats in the evenings of summer. — 
But though the general character of Chinese architecture is light- 
ness, they occasionally build detached towers or castles, to command 
important points, of great solidity. They have also large forts, the 
lower portions of which would endure a heavy cannonading ; and 
the Great Wall of China, more than a thousand miles in length, is 
very remarkable for its solidity and strength. 



WORDS OF THREE SYLLABLES. 



135 



Ra-di-us, s. half the diameter 

of a circle 
Ra-re-fy, v. to make thin 
Re-cog-nize, a. v. to acknow- 
ledge, to perceive 
Re-com-pence, s. reward 
Rect-an-gle, s. a right angle 
Rec-ti-fy, a. v. to make right 
Red-o-lent, a. sweet of scent 
Ref er-ence, s. an allusion 
Reg-i-men, s. diet, treatment 
Rem-e-dy, s. a medicine, cure 
Ren-e-gade, 5. an apostate 
Ren-o-vate, a. v. to renew 
Re-qui-site, a. necessary 
Res-i-due, s. the remainder 
Res-o-lute, a. determined 
Rid-i-cule, s. mockery 
Rig-or-ous, a. over-harsh 
Ris-i-ble, a. exciting laughter 
Ri-val-ry, s. competition 
Ro-sa-ry, 5. a string of beads 
Ro-ta-ry, a. turning round 
Ru-bi-cund, a. Acrid 
Ru-di-ments, s. first principles 

ACCENTED ON THE SECOND. 

Re-cum-bent, a. leaning 
Re-dun-dant, a. overflowing 
Re-fine-ment. s. elegance 
Re-li-ance, s. confidence 
Re-hear- sal, s. a repeating 
Re-lin-quish, a. v. to part with 
Re-plen-ish, a. v. to nil again 
Re-pul-sive, a. forbidding 
Re-qui-tal, s. a recompence 
Re-sist-ance, s. opposition 
Re-spon-sive, a. answering 
Ro-man-tic, a. wild, fanciful 

ACCENTED ON THE LAST. 

Re-col-lect, a. v, to call to mind 
Re-com-mend, a. v. to praise 
one person to another 



Re-im- burse, a. v. to repay 
Re-in-state, a. v. to restore 
Re-pre-hend, a. v. to censure 
Rep-ri-mand, a. v> to chide 

ACCENTED ON THE FIRST. 

Sac-cha-rine, a. sugary 
San-a-tive, a. healing 
San-i-ty, s. soundness of mind 
Sa-ti-£Lte,sa-sky-ate,v .to surfeit 
Sat-u-rate, a. v. to impregnate 

thoroughly 
Sat-ur-nine, a. melancholy 
Scar-ci-ty, s. dearth, want 
Scar-i-fy, a. v. to cut the skin 
Scep-ti-cism, skeptisism, doubt 
Scru-pu-lous, a. cautious 
Scru-ti-ny, s. an inquiry 
Scur-ril-ous, a. abusive 
Sec-u-lar, a. worldly [rious 
Sed-u-lous, a. diligent, labo- 
Se-ni-or, s. an elder [feeling 
Sen-si-tive, a. having acute 
Se-pa-rate, a. distinct 
Sep-ul-chre, s. a grave 
Ser-pen-tine, a. winding 
Ser-vi-tor, 5. an attendant 
Sig-nal-ize, v. to distinguish 
Sig-ni-fy, v. to make known 
Si-ne-cure, s. a salary without 

employment 
Sin-gu-lar, a. alone, rare 
Sin-is- ter, a. left-handed 
Sol-e-cism, s. unfitness of one 

word to another 
Sol-em-nize, a. v. to celebrate 
Sol-i-tude, s. loneliness 
Sol-u-ble, a. capable of being 

dissolved 
Spe-ci-fy, a. v. to mention 
Spe-ci-ous, a. apparently fair 
Spec-u-late, v. to think on 
Splen-et-ic, a. peevish, cross 
Spu-ri-ous, a. false, pretended 



136 



WORDS OF THREE SYLLABLES. 



Stig-ma-tise, a. v. to brand 

with disgrace 
Stim-u-late, a. v. to spur on 
Strat-a-gem, s. a contrivance 
Stren-u-ous, a. vigorous 
Sub-al-tern, «. inferior 
Sua-vi-ty, s sweetness 
Sub-se-quent, a. following 
Sub-ter-fuge, 5. a pretence 
Suf-fer-ance, s. endurance 
Suit-a-ble, a. agreeable 
Sum-ma- ry, a, short, concise 
Sump-tu-ous, a. rich, costly 
Sup-ple-ment, s. an addition 
Sup-pli-cate, a. v. to beg 
Sur-ro-gate, s. a deputy 
Sus-te-nance, s. nourishment 
Syc-o-phant, s. a flatterer 
Sym-me-try, s. proportion 
Sym-pa-thy, s. fellow-feeling 

ACCENTED ON THE SECOND. 

Sar-cas-tic, a. taunting 
Se-ques-ter, a. v. to separate 
So-li-cit, v. to intreat, desire 
Som-nif-ic, a. causing sleep 
So-no-rous, a. loud sounding 
Sta-tis-tics, s. political accounts 
Sub-ver-sive, a. tending to 

overturn 
Sur-ren-der, a. v. to give up 
Sy-nop-sis, s. a general view 

ACCENTED ON THE LAST. 

Se-re-nade, s. night music 
Su-per-fine, a . eminently fine 

ACCENTED ON THE FIRST. 

Tan-gi-ble, a. that can be 
touched [longing to an art 

Tech-ni-cal, tek-ni-cal, a. be- 

Tem-per-ate, a. sober ; dis- 
creet [be held 

Ten-a-ble, a. that which may 



Tem-po-rize, v. to delay ; to 

comply with for the time 
Ten-den-cy, s. aim, drift 
Ter-mi-nate, v. to end 
Ter-ri-ble, a. dreadful 
Tes-ti-fy,# . t\to witness, prove 
The-o-rem, s. a proposition 

requiring proof 
Tim-or-ous, a. fearful 
Tit-u-lar, a. in name only 
Tol-e-rate, a. v. to permit 
Tor-tu-ous, a. winding [erous 
Trait-or-ous, a. false, treach- 
Tran-si-ent, a. passing away 
Tri-an-gle, s. a figure of three 

angles or sides 
Tur-pi-tude, s. baseness 
Tu-te-lar, a. protecting [sion 
Ty-ran-ny, s. cruelty, oppres- 

ACCENTED ON THE SECOND. 

Ter-rif-ic, a. dreadful [a will 
Tes-ta-tor, s. one who leaves 
Tor-na-do, s. a hurricane 
Tor-pe-do, s. a fish having 
electric properties 

ACCENTED ON THE FIRST. 

Va-can-cy, 5. emptiness 
Va-ri-ance, s. disagreement 
Ve-he-mence, s. earnestness 
Vend-i-ble, a. saleable 
Ven-om-ous, a. poisonous 
Ver-i-ty, s. truth 
Ver-sa-tile, a. changeable 
Ver-ti-cal, a. over head 
Ver-ti-go, s. giddiness 
Vet-e-ran, a. long practised 
Vi-gil-ance, s. watchfulness 
Vig-or-ous, a. lively, strong 
Vin-di-cate, a. v. to justify 
Vi-o-late, a. v. to injure 
Vir-tu-ous, a. morally good 
Vir-u-lent, a. malignant 






WORDS OF FOUR SYLLABLES. 



137 



Yi-ti-ate, vish-i-ate, v. to cor- 
Vol-a-tile, a. airy, light [rupt 
Ul-ti-mate, a. last, final 
Unc--tu-ous, a. oily, clammy 
U-ni-form, a. regular, alike 
U-ni-on, s. agreement 
Ur-gen-cy, s. pressure 
U-su-fruct, s temporary use 

ACCENTED ON THE SECOND. 

Ver-ba-tim, ad. word for word 



Vin-dic-tive, a. revengeful 
Un-daunt-ed, a. fearless 
Un-wor-thy, a. not deserving 

ACCENTED ON THE FIRST. 

Wan-der-er, 5. a rambler 
War-rant-ry, s. authority 
Wea-ri-ness, s. fatigue 
Wil-der-ness, s, a desert 
Wretch-ed-ness, s. misery 



WORDS OF FOUR SYLLABLES. 



ACCENTED ON THE FIRST. 

Ac-ri-mo-ny, s. sharpness 
A-li-e-nate, a. v. to estrange 
Am-i-ca-ble, a. friendly 
Ap-pli-ca-ble, a. suitable 
Ar-bi-tra-ry, a. despotic 

ACCENTED ON THE SECOND. 

Ab-bre-vi-ate, a. v. to shorten 
Ac-cel-e-rate, a. v. to hasten 
Ac-com-pa-ny, a. v. to go with 
Ac-cu-mu-late, a. v. to heap up 
Ac-tiv-i-ty, s. nimbleness 
Ad-ju-di-cate, v. to adjudge 
Ad-ver-si-ty, s. misfortune 
A-dul-te-rate, a. v. to corrupt 
Af-fi-ni-ty, s. relation 
A-gra-ri-an, a. relating to land 
A-lac-ri-ty, s. willingness 
Al-ter-na-tive, s. a choice of 

two things only 
Al-le-vi-ate, a. v. to mitigate 
Am-bi-gu-ous, a. doubtful 
A-me-na-ble, a. subject to 
A-nom-a-lous, a. irregular 
A-non-y-mous, a. nameless 
An-tag-o-nist, 5. an opponent 
An-te-ri-or, a. previous [hand 
An-ti-ci-pate,a.#.to taste before 
An-ti-pa-thy, s. aversion 
Anx-i-e-ty, s. trouble of mind 
A-pol-o-gy, s. an excuse 



Ap-pre-ci-ate, v. to estimate 
Ar-tic-u-late, a. distinct 
As-pe-ri-ty, s. roughness 
As-sid-u-ous, a. diligent 
A-tro-ci-ous, a. wicked 
At-ten-u-ate, v. to make thin 
Au-da-ci-ous, a. daring [ear 
Au-ric-u-lar, a. relating to the 
Aus-pi-ci-ous, a. prosperous, 

favourable 
Aus-ter-i-ty, 5. severity 
Au-thor-i-ty, 5. legal power 

ACCENTED ON THE SECOND. 

Bar-bar-i-ty, s. cruelty 
Be-nef-i-cence, s. kindness 
Be-nev-o-lence, s. good will 
Bi-en-ni-al, a. lasting two years 
Bo-tan-i-ca'J, a. belonging to 
herbs 

ACCENTED ON THE FIRST. 

Char-ac-ter-ise,a.i7.to describe 
Cel-i-ba-cy, s. single life 
Con-tu-ma-cy, s. obstinacy 
Cor-ol-la-ry, s. an inference 
Cred-it-a-ble, a. reputable 

ACCENTED ON THE SECOND. 

Ca-dav-er-ous, a. ghastly 
Ca-lam-i-ty, s. a misfortune 
Ca-pa-ci-ous, a. wide, large 
Ca-pri-ci-ous, a. fickle 
Cap-tiv-i-ty, s. confinement 



138 



WORDS OF FOUR SYLLABLES. 



Ca-tas-tro-phe, s. a final event 
Ce-ler-i-ty. s. swiftness 
Ce-les-ti-al, a. heavenly 
Cen-ten-ni-al, a. consisting of 

a hundred years [timony 
Cer-ti-fi-cate, s. a written tes- 
Chi-ca-ne-ry, she-ka-ne-ry > s. 

cunning [imaginary 

Chi-mer-i-cal, a. kim-mer-i-cal, 
Co-ad-ju-tor, s. an associate 
Co-ag-u-late, v. to congeal 
Col-lat-e-ral, a. not direct 
Com-mis-e-rate, a. v. to pity 
Com-mo-di-ous, a. convenient 
Com-mu-ni-ty, 5. a society 
Com-pat-i-ble, a. consistent 
Com-pen-di-ous, a. short 
Con-cil-i-ate, a. v. to reconcile 
Con-com-i-tant a. united with 
Con-fed-e-rate, v. to league 
Con-form-a-ble s a. suitable 



Con-gru-i-ty, s. fitness 
Con-ge-ni-al, a. 

disposition [with 

Con-grat-u-late, a. v. to rejoice 
Con-sid-e-rate, a. regardful 
Con-spic-u-ous, a. easily seen 
Con-ta-gi-ous, a. infectious 
Con-tam-i-nate, a. v. to taint 
Con-tig-u-ous, a. adjoining 
Con-viv-i-al, a. festive [with 
Co-op-e-rate, v. to act jointly 
Cor-po-re-al, a. bodily' 
Cor-rob-o-rate, a. v. to confirm 
Cre-du-li-ty, s. easiness of be- 
lief ; hasty confidence 

ACCENTED OK THE THIRD. 

Co-a-les-cence, s. the act of 

union 
Co-li-se-um, s. the name given 

to an ancient theatre 



Coliseum. — Though the Roman Empire had extended its con- 
quests over the greater portion of the earth, and though some of its 




citizens possessed attainments of the highest order, bit little atten- 
tion was paid to the instruction and moral improvement of the 
population ; hence the great mass were remarkable for their ignorance 



WORDS OF FOUR SYLLABLES. 



139 



ACCENTED ON THE FIRST. 

Bel-i-ca-cy, s. nicety 
Des-ul-to~ry, a. rambling 
Dil-a-to-ry, a. loitering 
Dis-syl-la-ble, 5. a word of 
two syllables [room 

Dor-mi-to-ry, s. a sleeping- 

ACCENTED ON THE SECOND. 

De-cap-i-tate, a. v. to behead 
De-cla-ra-tive, a. explanatory 
De-crep-i-tude, s. age, decay 
De-form-i-ty, s. a bad form 
De-lec-ta-ble, a. delightful 
De-li-ci-ous, a. sweet 
De-pre-ci-ate, a. v. to under- 
value ; to reduce in price 
De-plo-ra-ble, a. lamentable 
De-prav-i-ty, s. immorality 
De-spond-en-cy, s. despair 
De-ter-mi-nate, a. limited 
De-tes-ta-ble, a. odious 
Dex-ter-i-ty, s. expertness 
Di-o-ce-san, s. a bishop 
Dis-com-flt-ure, 5. overthrow 



Dis-crim-in-ate, v. to distin- 
guish, to select 
Dis-par-i-ty, s. inequality 
Dis-qua-li-fy, v. to make unfit 
Dis-qui-et-ude, s. restlessness 
Dis-sem-in-ate, a. v. to scatter 
as seed [ent 

Dis-si-mi-lar, a. unlike, differ- 
Di-ver-si-fy, a. v. to vary [learn 
Do-cil-i-ty, s. willingness to 
Dox-ol-o-gy, s. a form of 

giving glory to God 
Duc-til-i-ty, s. pliancy 
Du-plic-i-ty, s. double dealing 

ACCENTED ON THE THIRD. 

De-fal-ca-tion, s. diminution 
Det-ri-men-tal, a. injurious 
Di-a-pa-son, s, an octave ; per- 
fect concord 
Dis-con-tent-ed, a. displeased 
Dis-con-tin-ue, a. v. to leave off 
Dis-in-her-it, a. v. to deprive of 

hereditary right 
Dis-re-spect-ful, a. uncivil 



and brutality. In process of time, when, from a variety of causes, 
the government became unpopular, the rulers availed themselves of 
this ignorance and brutality, and sought favour with the populace 
by the introduction of shows and entertainments suited to their 
depraved taste. In the later periods of the empire, the character 
of the people became still more debased by these savage exhibi- 
tions, so that it was thought advisable to erect very large theatres, 
where many thousands could -assemble together. Large sums were 
expended, and an incredible number of beasts, and many human 
beings, were destroyed. But these sports and spectacles gradually 
destroyed the love of independence and of country, and greatly 
assisted in the overthrow of the state. 

The Coliseum at Rome, of the ruins of which a representation is 
here given, was erected by the Emperor Vespasian, who reigned 
about 40 years after Christ. It was ornamented with statues 
representing all the provinces in the Empire, one in the centre being 
intended to represent Eome itself. The building was 1G12 feet in 
circumference, and would hold 100,000 spectators. In the inner 
circle were exhibited cruel combats between men and wild beasts 



140 



WORDS OF FOUR SYLLABLES. 



ACCENTED ON THE FIRST. 

Ef-fi-ca-cy, s. ability, power 
El-i-gi-ble, a. preferable 
Ep-i-lep-sy, s, a convulsive 

disease 
E-qui-ta-ble, a. just, candid 
Es-tu-a-ry, s. the mouth of a 

river subject to tides 
Ex-e-cra-ble, a. abominable 
Ex-em-pla-ry, a. worthy of 

imitation 
Ex-pli-ca-ble, a. explainable 

ACCENTED ON THE SECOND. 

E-con-o-my, s. good manage- 
ment ; frugality 
Ef-fem-in-ate, a. womanish 
Ef-fron-te-ry, s. impudence 
E-gre-gi-ous, a. remarkable 
E-lab-o-rate, a finished with 

care 
E-lu-ci-date, a. v. to explain 
E-ma-ci-ate, a. v. to waste 
E-man-ci-pate, a. v. to set free 
E-mer-gen-cy, s. sudden ne- 
cessity ; act of emerging 



E-moi-li-ent, a. assuaging 
E-mol-u-ment, s. profit 
Em-phat-i-cal, a. forcible 
En-co-mi-um, 5. praise 
E-nor-mi-ty, s, heinousness 
E-nu-mer-ate, a. v. to reckon 
E-pit-o-me, s. an abstract 
E-quiv-a-lent, a. of the same 

value 
E-quiv-o-cal, a. doubtful 
E-rad-i-cate, a. v. to root out 
Er-ro-ne-ous, a. full of errors 
Es-sen-ti-al, a. necessary 
E-vac-u-ate, a. v. to empty 
Ex-ag-ge-rate, a. v. to enlarge 
Ex-as-pe-rate, a. v. to enrage 
Ex-co-ri-ate, a. v. to strip off 
Ex-cru-ci-ate, a. v. to torture 
Ex-em-pli-fy, a. v. to illustrate 
Ex-hil-ar-ate, a. v. to cheer 
Ex-on-e-rate, a. v. to unload 
Ex-or-bi-tant, a, extravagant 
Ex-or-di-um, s. a beginning 
Ex-pa-ti-ate, v. to enlarge 
Ex-pe-di-ent, a. convenient 
Ex-pe-ri-ence, s. practice 



and during some of the great festivals, between three and four hun- 
dred beasts were slain. The men selected to fight on these occasions 
were of different classes : some were condemned criminals, who 
were allowed the chance of saving their lives by slaying the beast 
opposed to them. Some were furnished with defensive weapons ; 
but they were more frequently exposed, unarmed, to the fury of the 
beast, the spectators deriving a horrid kind of amusement from their 
desperate and frantic efforts to prolong their existence. — Another 
class of combatants, called gladiators, were regularly trained for the 
purpose ; men in desperate circumstances, who sought a precarious 
subsistence by displaying their dexterity and courage. But the 
majority were captives taken in war, or criminals, acting under com- 
pulsion. — During the persecutions of the early Christians, one mode 
of punishing them for preaching "peace upon earth, and good will 
among men," was the casting them, in a defenceless state, to wild 
beasts in these amphitheatres, or places similarly enclosed. — Of these 
disgraceful buildings nothing remains but the ruins, fragments of 
which are from time to time employed in the erection of palaces 
and other human habitations. 



WORDS OF FOUR SYLLABLES. 



141 



Ex- tem-po- re, ad. without fore- 
thought 
Ex-ten-u-ate, a. v. to lessen 
Ex-te-ri-or, a. outward 
Ex-tra-ne-ous, a, foreign 
Ex-trav-a-gant, a. wasteful 
Ex-trem-i-ty, s. utmost point 
Ex-u-be-rant, a. plentiful 

ACCENTED ON THE THIRD. 

E-men-da-tor, s. a corrector 
E-van-es-cent, a. vanishing 

ACCENTED ON THE FIRST. 

Fig-u-ra-tive, a, typical 
F16-ri-cul-ture, s. the cultiva- 
tion of flowers 
For-mid-a-ble, a. terrible 
For-mu-la-ry, s. a set form 

ACCENTED ON THE SECOND. 

Fa-cil-i-ty, s. easiness 
Fan-tas-ti-cal, a. whimsical 
Fas-tid-i-ous, a. fanciful 
Fe-cun-di-ty, s. fruitfulness 
Fe-li-ci-ty, 6'. happiness 
Fe-ro-ci-ty, s. fierceness 
Fi-del-i-ty, s. trustiness 
For-mal-i-ty, s. preciseness 
For-tu-i-tous, a. accidental 
Fra-gil-i-ty, s. brittleness 
Fra-ter-ni-ty, s. brotherhood 
Fri-gid-i-ty, s. coldness [come 
Fu-tu-ri-ty, s. the time to 

ACCENTED ON THE SECOND. 

Ha-bil-i-ment, 5. clothing 
Hi-lar-i-ty, s. cheerfulness 
Hos-til-i-ty, s. open war 
Hu-mid-i-ty, s. dampness 
Hu-mil-i-ty, s. lowliness 
Hy-per-bo-le, s. rhetorical ex- 
aggeration 
Hy-poc-ri-sy, s. dissimulation 
Hy-po-the-sis, s. supposition 



ACCENTED ON THE FIRST. 

Ig-no-min-y, s. dishonour 
In-ti-ma-cy, s. friendship 
In-ven-to-ry, s. a catalogue 
Ir-ri-ta-ble, a. easily vexed 
Ju-di-ca-ture, s. power of dis- 
tributing justice 

ACCENTED ON THE SECOND. 

I-den-ti-cal, a the same 
Il-lit-er-ate, a. ignorant 
Il-lu-mi-nate, a. v. to enlighten 
Il-lus-tra-tive. a. elucidating 
Il-lus-tri-ous, a. noble 
Im-mac-u-late, a. spotless 
Im-mu-ni-ty, s. exemption 
Im-mu-ta-ble, a. unalterable 
Im-ped-i-ment, s. hinderance 
Im-per-a-tive, a. commanding 
Im-per-ti-nent, a. saucy 
Im-pet-u-ous, a. violent 
Im-por-tu-nate, a. very urgent 
Im-prov-i-dent, a. void of fore- 
sight [punishment 
Im-pu-ni-ty, a. freedom from 
In-an-i-ty. s. emptiness 
In-clem-en-cy, s. severity 
ln-con-gru-ous,#. inconsistent 
In-cor-po-rate, a. v. to unite 
In-dec-o-rous, a. unbecoming 
In-def-i-nite, a. unlimited 
In-dem-ni-ty, s. security 
In-e-bri-ate, v. a. to make drunk 
In-fe-ri-or, a. lower in degree 
In-flex-i-ble, a. immovable 
In-ge-ni-ous, a. inventive 
In-gen-u-ous, a. candid 
In-i-ti-ate, a. v. to instruct in 
In-quis-it-ive, a. prying [fled 
In-sa-ti-ate, a. not to be satis- 
In-scru-ta-ble, a. unsearchable 
In-sid-i-ous, a. treacherous 
In-teg-ri-ty, s. honesty 



142 



WORDS OP FOUR SYLLABLES. 



In-tem-pe-rance, s. excess 
In-ter-ro-gate, a. v. to question 
In-tim-i-date, a. v. to frighten 
In-tu-i-tive, a. seen by the 

mind immediately 
In-val-i-date, a. v. to make void 
In-ves-ti-gate, a. v. to examine 
In-vet-e-rate, a. obstinate 
In-vid-i-ous, a. envious 
I-ras-ci-ble, a. irritable 
Ir-ra-di-ate, v. to brighten 
I-tin-e-rant, a. journeying 
Ju-di-ci-ous, a. prudent 

ACCENTED ON THE THIRD. 

In-ad-vert-ent, s. heedless 
Tn-co-he-rent, a. loose 
In-ter-ees-sor, s. a mediator 
ln-ter-reg-num, s. the vacancy 
of a throne [ence of law 

Ju-ris-pru-dence, s. the sci- 

ACCENTED ON THE FJRST. 

La-bi-a-ted, a. having lips 
Lam-ent-a-ble, a. doleful 
Le-gend-a-ry, a. fabulous 
Li-ne-a-ment, s. a feature 
Lit-er-a-ture, 5. learning 
Lu-mi-na-ry, s. a light 

ACCENTED ON THE SECOND. 

La-bo-ri-ous, a. toilsome 
Le-ga-li-ty, s. lawfulness 
Li-vid-i-ty, s. discolouration 
Li-tig-i-ous, a. wrangling 
Lo-cal-i-ty, s. existence in, or 

belonging to a place 
Lon-gev-i-ty, s. length of life 
Lo-qua-ci-ty, s. talkativeness 
Lux-u-ri-ant, a. abounding 

ACCENTED ON THE FIRST. 

Mal-e-fac-tor, s. el criminal 
Man-da-to-ry, a. preceptive 
Mel-an-cho-ly, a. gloomy 
Mem-o-ra-ble, a, notable 



Mer-ce-na-ry, s. a hireling 
Mi-gra-to-ry, a. passing from 

place to place 
Mo-ment-a-ry, a. not lasting 

ACCENTED ON THE SECOND. 

Mag-nan-i-mous, a. noble 
Mag-nif-i-cent, a. pompous 
Ma-jor-i-ty, s. the greater 

number 
Ma-lev-o-lent, a. malicious 
Ma-li-ci-ous, a. spiteful 
Ma-te-ri-al, a. important 
Ma-ter-ni-ty s. the relation of 

a mother 
Ma-tu-ri-ty, s. ripeness 
Me-rid-i-an, s. the mid-day 
Mi-nor-i-ty, s. the smaller 

number 
Mo-nop-o-ly, s. an exclusive 

privilege of vending [tone 
Mo-not-o-ny, s. a sameness of 
Mys-te-ri-ous, a. secret [fables 
My-thol-o-gy, s. a system of 

ACCENTED ON THE THIRD. 

Man-u-fac-ture, s. any thing 
made by art [claration 

Man-i-fes-to, s. a public de- 

Mem-o-ran-dum, s. a note of 
remembrance [offence 

Mis-de-mean-our, s. a minor 

ACCENTED ON THE FIRST. 

Na-vi-ga-ble, a, passable by 
Ne-ces-sa-ry, a. needful [ships 
Nu-ga-to-ry, a. of no effect 

ACCENTED ON THE SECOND. 

Na-tiv-i-ty, s. time of birth 
Ne-fa-ri-ous, a. wicked 
Ne-go-ti-ate, v. to treat with 
No-to-ri-ouSj a. publicly known 
Nu-mer-i-cal, a. denoting a 
number 



WORDS OF FOUR SYLLABLES. 



US 



ACCENTED ON THE FIRST. 

Ob-du-ra-cy, s. hardness of 

heart 
Oc-cu-pi-er, s. a possessor 
Or-a-to-ry, s. eloquence 
Or-di-na-ry, a. common 

ACCENTED ON THE SECOND. 

O-be-di-ent, a. dutiful 
Ob-lit-e-rate, a. v. to blot out 
Ob-li-vi-on, 5 forge tfulness 
Ob-scu-ri-ty, s. darkness 
Ob-se-qui-ous, a. obedient 
Of-fi-ci-ous, a. over busy 
Ol-fac-to-ry, a. having the 

sense of smelling 
Om-ni-po-tent, a. all-powerful 
Op-pro-bri-ous, a. reproach- 
ful, insulting 
O-rig-in-al, the s. first copy 
Or-thog-ra-phy, s. correct 

spelling 
Out-ra-ge-ous, a. furious 

ACCENTED ON THE FIRST. 

Pal-a-ta-ble, a. pleasing to the 
Par-si-mo-ny, s. thrift [taste 
Pa-tri-mo-ny, s inheritance 
Per-emp-to-ry a. absolute 
Pred-a-to-ry, a. plundering 
Pref-er-a-ble,<z. to be preferred 
Proc-u-ra-tor, s. an agent 
Prof-it-a-ble, a. useful 
Prof-li-ga-cy, s. wickedness 

ACCENTED ON THE SECOND. 

Par-tic-u-lar, a. precise 
Pe-cu-li-ar, a. singular 
Pe-nu-ri-ous, a. sparing 
Per-en-ni-al, a. lasting from 
year to year [through 

Per-am-bu-late, a. v. to walk 
Per-fid-i-ous, a. treacherous 
Per-pet-u-al, a. endless 



Per-spi-cu-ous, a. clear 
Phi-lan-thro-py, 5. the love of 
mankind (learning 

Phi-lol-o-gy, s. grammatical 
Phi-los-o-phy, s. knowledge 

natural or moral 
Pos-te-ri-or, a. latter 
Prag-mat-i-cal, a. imperti- 
nent; talkative 
Pre-ca-ri-ous, a. uncertain 
Pre-cip-i-tate, a. very hasty 
Pre-dic-a-ment, s. condition 
Pre-pon-de-rate, v, to out- 
weigh 
Pre-pos-ter-ous, a. absurd 
Pre-sump-tu-ous, a. over con- 
fident 
Pre-var-i-cate, v. to quibble 
Pri-or-i-ty, s. precedence 
Pro-cras-ti-nate, v. to put off 
Pro-dig-i-ous, a. amazing 
Pro-fund-i-ty, 5. great depth 
Pro-gen-i-tor, s. a forefather 
Pro-mis-cu-ous, a. mixed 
Pro-pen-si-ty, s. an inclination 
Pro-pri-e-tor, s. an owner 
Pros-per-i-ty, s. success 
Prox-im-i-ty, s. nearness 

ACCENTED ON THE THIRD. 

Pa-ne-gy-ric, s. encomium 
Per-se-ve-rance, s, constancy 

ACCENTED ON THE FIRST. 

Reg-u-la-tor, s. a manager 
Rev-o-ea-ble, a. that which 
may be recalled 

ACCENTED ON THE SECOND. 

Ra-pa-ci-ous, a. very greedy 
Ra-pid-i-ty, s. swiftness 
Re-cip-ro-cal, a. mutual 
Re-cog-ni-zance, s. a bond 
of acknowledgment 



144 



WORDS OF FOUR SYLLABLES. 



Re-crim-i-nate, v. to accuse 

in return 
Re-dun-dan-cy, s. superfluity 
Re-frac-to-ry, a. obstinate 
Re-gen-e-rate, a. v. to renew 
Re-it-e-rate, v. to repeat again 

and again 
Re-mark-a-ble, a. notable 
Re-mu-ne-rate, a. v. to reward 
Re-pu-di-ate, a. v. to divorce 
Re-spon-si-ble, a. answerable, 

accountable 
Re-sto-ra-tive, a. reviving 
Re-sus-ci-tate, a. v. to revive 
Re-tal-i-ate, v. to return 
Re-ver-be-rate, v. to resound 
Rhi-no-ce-ros,s. a large beast 
Ro-tun-di-ty, s. roundness 
Rus-ti-ci-ty, s. rudeness, rural 

simplicity. 

ACCENTED ON THE THIRD. 

Re-con-noi-tre, a. v. to examine 



Re-im-burse-ment, s. repay- 
ment [force 

Re-in-force-m'ent, s, additional 

Re-pre-hen-sive, a. given in 
reproof [back 

Re-tro-spec-tive, a. looking 

ACCENTED ON THE FIRST. 

Sal-u-ta-ry, a. wholesome 
San-gui-na-ry, a. bloody 
Sea-son-a-ble, a. timely 
Sed-en-ta-ry, a. sitting much 
So-ci-a-ble, a friendly 
Sol-i-ta-ry, a. retired, lonely 
Spec-u-la-tive, a. theoretical 
Suf-fer-a-ble, a. tolerable 

ACCENTED ON THE SECOND. 

Sa-ga-ci-ty, s. quickness of 

understanding 
Sa-lu-bri-ous, a. healthful 
Sa-ti-e-ty, s. fulness, surfeit 
Se-cu-ri-ty, s. safety 



Rhinoceros. — This animal inhabits Bengal, China, the Isles of 
Java and Sumatra, and the southern part of Africa. The species 
is not numerous. It is distinguished by a horn placed near the end 

of its nose. Its 
stature is from five 
to seven feet, and 
its 1 eng th from nine 
to eleven feet. It 
has a massy and 
unwieldy appear- 
ance. The neck 
is short ; — the 
shoulders thick and 
heavy ; the legs 
also are short, thick, 
and strong. The 
body is covered 
with a rough skin, 
so tough that it will resist a musket ball. It is destitute of hair, but 
is covered with an irregular incrustation, resembling plates or scales 
of leather. The skin about the neck is gathered into large folds ; a 
fold also extends between the shoulders and fore legs, and another 




WORDS OF FOUR SYLLABLES. 



145 



Sep-ten-ni-al, a. occurring 

once in seven years 
Se-ren-i-ty, s. calmness 
Ser-vil-i-ty, 5. meanness 
Se-ver-i-ty, s. rigour 
Sig-nif-i-cant, a. expressive 
Sin-cer-i-ty, s, candour 
So-li-ci-tude, s. anxiety 
Spon-ta-ne-ous, a. voluntary 
Sta-bil-i-ty, 5. firmness 
Ste-ril-i-ty, s. barrenness 
Sub-or-di-nate, a. inferior 
Sub-stan-ti-ate, v. to establish 
Su-per-flu-ous, a. more than 

enough, needless [higher 
Su-pe-ri-or, a. preferable, 
Su-per-la-tive, a. highest, best 
Sus-cep-ti-ble, a. capable of 

feeling 
Sus-pi-ci-ous, a. distrustful 
Sy-non-y-mous, a. of the same 

signification 



ACCENTED ON THE THIRD. 

Sa-cer-do-tal, a. belonging to 

the priesthood 
Su-per-vi-sor, s. an inspector 
Sup-ple-ment-al, a. additional 

ACCENTED ON THE FIRST. 

Tem-per-a-ment, s. bodily or 

mental constitution 
Tem-po-ra-ry, a. for a time 
Ten-ant-a-ble, a. inhabitable 
Ter-ri-to-ry, s. a district 
Tes-ti-mo-ny, s. evidence 
Tol-er-a-ble, a, passable 
Tran-si-to-ry, a. passing away 
Trib-u-ta-ry, a. paying tribute 
Tu-te-la-ry, protecting 

ACCENTED ON THE SECOND. 

Te-mer-i-ty, s. rashness 
Tem-pest-u-ous, a. stormy 
Te-na-ci-ous, s. holding fast 



from the hinder part of the back to the thighs, so that the animal 
has the appearance of being clad in armour. The nose is thick and 
bulky, reaching from the beginning of the horn to the upper lip. 
The upper lip resembles that of a horse, and is used to gather grass 
from the ground. The animal can extend this lip six or seven 
inches, and draw it to a point, and, with the help of its tongue, 
break off the tender branches of trees which it uses for food. The 
nostrils are low, and the eyes very small in proportion. The horn 
is about six inches long by four inches wide, and is so connected 
with the skin as to be capable of motion ; it is used both for 
defence, and for obtaining food. 

The Rhinoceros lives in forests adjoining rivers, or in swampy 
places, where it loves to wallow in the mud. It grunts like the hog, 
whose flesh also it nearly resembles. It is a solitary animal, and the 
female produces one at a birth. Though possessed of strength suffi- 
cient to attack a tiger or an elephant, it is quiet and inoffensive 
when unprovoked ; but when enraged, it becomes very furious. 
Its flesh is considered excellent food by the natives of India and 
Africa; and the skin, hoofs, teeth, and dung, are used medicinally. 
Of the horn, goblets and handles of swords are made, and the hide 
is in great request for the manufacture of shields. The Rhinoceros 
is supposed to be the Unicorn mentioned in Scripture, and possesses 
all the prqperties ascribed to that animal. 

H 



146 



WORDS OF FOUR SYLLABLES. 



Te-nu-i-ty, s. thinness 
Ter-ra-que-ous, a. consisting 

of land and water 
Ter-res-tri-al, a. earthly 
Tim-id-i-ty, s. fearfulness 
Tran-quil-li-ty, 5. quiet 
Trans-pa-ren-ey, s. clearness 
Tri-en-ni-al, a, occurring once 

in three years 

ACCENTED ON THE FIRST. 

Val-u-a-ble, a. precious 
Va-ri-a-ble, a. changeable 
Va-ri-e-gate, a. v. to diversify 
Ven-e-ra-ble, a. worthy ofreve- 
Vol-un-ta-ry, a. willing [rence 
Vul-ner-a-ble, a. that which 
may be wounded 



ACCENTED ON THE SECOND. 

Va-cu-i-ty, s. emptiness . 
Va-lid-i-ty, 5. certainty 
Va-ri-e-ty, s. difference 
Ve-lo-ci-ty, s. quick motion 
Ve-ra-ci-ty, 5. truth 
Vi-cin-i-ty, s. a neighbourhood 
Vi-cis-si-tude, s. change 
Vi-va-ci-ous, a. sprightly 
Vo-cif-e-rous, a. noisy 
Vo-lup-tu-ous, a. given to ex- 
cess of pleasure 
Vo-ra-ci-ous, a. greedy 
U-bi-qui-ty, s. omnipresence 
U-nan-i-mous, a. of one mind 
Ur-ban-i-ty, s. courteousness 
U-til-i-ty, s. usefulness 



WORDS OF FIVE SYLLABLES. 



Au~tho'-ri-ta-tive, a. com- 
manding, overbearing 
Aux-il'-i-a-ry, a. helping 
A-cri-mo'-ni-ous, a. sharp, tart 
Ad-van-ta'-ge-ous,a, profitable 
Af-fa-bil'-i-ty, s. courteousness 
A-li-ment'-a-ry, v, nourishing 
A-ni-mos'-i-ty, s. hatred 
Ar-ti-fi'-ci-al, a, made by art 
As-si-du'-i-ty, s. diligence 
Av-a-ri'-ci-ous, a. covetous 
Au-then-ti'-ci-ty, s. genuine- 
ness 
Be-ne-fi'-ci-al,tf. advantageous 
Ca-lum'-ni-a-tor, s. a slanderer 
Com-mu'-ni-ca-tive, a. talk- 
ative 
Con-fed'-e^-ra-cy, s. a league 
Con-sid'-er-a-ble, a. worthy of 

consideration ; extensive 
Con-tem'-po-ra-ry, s. of the 

same time 
Car^ti-la'-gi-nous, a. gristly 



Ca-te-go'-ri-cal, a positive 
Chro-no-lo'-gi-cal, a. relating 

to time 
Con-san-gui'-ni-ty, s. relation- 
ship by blood 
Con-tin-u'-i-ty, s. connexion 
Con-tra-ri'-e-ty, s. opposition 
Con-tro-vert'-i-ble, a. dispu- 
table [willed 
Con-tu-ma'-ci-ous, a. self- 
Con-tu-me'-li-ous, a. reproach- 
ful 
Cu-ri-o'-si-ty,s.inquisitiveness 
De-bil'-i-ta-ted, a. enfeebled 
De-fam'-a-to-ry, a. slanderous 
De-rog'-a-to-ry, a. detracting 
De-le-te'-ri-ous, a, deadly 
Dis-in-gen'-u-ous, a. insincere 
Dis-o-be'-di-ent, a. undutiful 
E-ma'-ci-a-ted, a. wasted away 
E-pis'-co-pa-cy, s. government 
by bishops [explanation 
Ex-plan'-a-to-ry, a. containing 



WORDS OF FIVE SYLLABLES. 



T47 



E-co-nom'-i-calj a. frugal 
Ef-fi-ca'-ci-ous, a. successful 
E-le-men'-ta-ry, a, simple 
E-pi-dem'-i-cal, a. general 
E-qua-nim'-i-ty, s. evenness of 
temper [sides 

E-qui-lat'-e-ral, a. having equal 
E-qui-lib'-ri-um, s. balance 
Ex-com-mu'-ni-cate, a. v. to 

exclude 
Flex-i-bil'-i-ty, s pliancy 
Ge-ne-al'-o-gy, 5. pedigree 
Ho-mo-ge'-ne-ous, a. similar in 

kind 
Hos-pi-tal'-i-ty, s. kindness 
Hy-per-bol'-i-cal, a, exagge- 
rated 
Hy-per-crit'-i-cal, a. too critical 
Hyp-o-chon'-dri-ac, a. melan- 
choly ; of disordered mind 
Hyp-o-crit'-i-caljfl. dissembling 
Hy-po-thet'-i-cal, a. supposed 
I-ma'-gin-a-ble, a. conceivable 
In-cen'-di-a-ry, s. a wilful 
burner of property [ment 
In-cor'-ri-gi-ble,<z.past amend- 
In-dis'-so-lu-ble, a. firm 
In-ex'-o-ra-ble, a. not to be 

moved by entreaty 

In-ex'-pli-ca-ble, a. not to be 

explained [flame 

In-flam'-ma-to-ry, a. apt to in- 

In-sa'-ti-a-ble, a. not to be 

satisfied, greedy 
In-suf '-fer-a-ble, a. unbearable 
Ig-no-min'-i-ous,a. disgraceful 
Il-le-git'-i-mate, a. unlawful 
Im-be-cil'-i-ty, s. feebleness 
Tm-me-mo'-ri-al, a, past me- 
mory [tion 

Im-mo-bil'-i-ty, s. want of mo- 
In-a-bil'-i-ty, 5. want of power 
In-ad-vert'-en-cy,s« inattention 
In-con-gru'-i-ty, s. inconsist- 
ency 



Tn-con-so'-la-ble,a. comfortless 
In-di-vid'-u-al, s. one person 
In-ex-pe'-di-ent, a. unsuitable 
In-ge-nu'-i-ty, s. invention 
In-sin-cer'-i-ty, 5. duplicity 
In-stan-ta'-ne-ous, a. immedi- 
In-tel-lec'-tu-al, a. mental [ate 
In-tre-pid'-i-ty, s. courage 
Ir-re-triev'-a-ble, a. irrecover- 
able 
Lib-e-ral'-i-ty, s. generosity 
Mag-na-nim'-i-ty, s. greatness 

of mind 
Me-di-oc'-ri-ty, 5. middle state 
Me-ta-mor'-pho-sis, s. change 

of shape 
Mis-cel-la'-ne-ous, a. mixed 
Mu-ta-bil'-i-ty, s. changeable- 

ness 
My-tho-lo'-gi-cal, a. fabulous 
Non-con-form '-i-ty, s. refusal 

to conform 
No-to-ri'-e-ty, s. publicity 
O-do-rif'-e-rous, a t sweet 

scented 
Op-por-tu'-ni-ty, s. fit time 
Par-tic'-u-lar^ize, v. to mention 
distinctly [money 

Pe-cu'-ni-a*ry, a. relating to 
Pre-lim'-i-na^ry, a. introductory 
Pro-fi'-ci-en-cy,s.advancement 
Pa-ne-gy'-ri-cal, a. compliment 
tary [ancestors 

Pa-tri-mo'-m^al, a. derived from 
Pe-ni-ten'-ti-al, a. v. sorrowful 
Per-spi-ca'-ci-ous, a. quick or 

sharp sighted 
Per-ti-na'-ci-ous, a. obstinate 
Plau-si-bil'-i-ty, s. speciousness 
Pri-mo-ge'-ni-al, a. first born 
Pro-ba-bil'-i-ty, s. likelihood 
Pro-blem-at'-i-cal, a. questiona- 
Pu-er"il'-i-ty,5. childishness[ble 
Pu-sil-lan'-i-mous,a. mean spi- 
rited, cowardly 



148 



WORDS OF SIX SYLLABLES. 



Re-ca-pit'-u-late, v. to sum up 
Rec-ti-lin'-e-al, a right lined 
Ri-si-bil'-i-ty, 5. the quality 

of laughing 
Sa-tis-fac'-to-ry, a. giving con- 
tent 
Sen-si-bil'-i-ty, 5. feeling 
Sub-ter-ra'-ne-ous, a. being 

under ground 
Su-per-cil'-i-ous, a. haughty 
Su-per-fi'-ci-al, a. on the surface 
Sys-tem-at'-i-cal, a. methodical 



Ta-ci-turn'-i-ty, 5. habitual si- 
lence 
Va-ri'-a-ble-ness,s. inconstancy 
Vo-cab'-u-la-ry, s. a dictionary 
Un-ac-cept'-a-ble, a. displeas- 
ing ; not well received 
Un-civ'-il-i-zed, a. barbarous 
Un-pa'-ral-lel-ed, a. unmatched 
Un-ut'-ter-a-ble, a. not to be 

expressed 
Ver-sa-til'-i-ty, s. variableness 
Vo-lu-bil'-i-ty, s. fluency of 
speech 



WORDS OF SIX SYLLABLES. 



op- 



An-te-di-lu'- 
before the flood 

An-ti-mo-nar'-chi-cal, a. 
posed to monarchy 

A-poc-a-lyp'-ti-cal, a. contain- 
ing a revelation 

A-ris-to-crat'-i-cal, a, relating 
to the aristocracy 

Cir-cum-loc'-u-to-ry, a. with 
many words 

Dis-ci-pli-na'-ri-an, s. one who 
strictly maintains discipline 

Ec-cle-si-as'-ti-cal, a. relating 
to the church 

E-ty-mo-lo'-gi-cal, a, relating 
to the derivation of words 

Ex-tra-or'-di-na-ry, a. uncom- 
mon 

Het-e-ro-ge'-ne-ous, a. not the 
same kind 

Hi-e-ro-glyph'-i-cal, a. emble- 
matical, allusive 

His-to-ri-og'-ra-pher, s. an his- 
torian 



In-com-pre-hen'-si-ble, a. not 

to be comprehended 
Im-mu-ta-bil'-i-ty,s. constancy 
Im-par-ti-al'-i-ty, s. equal 
justice [lihood 

Im-pro-ba-bil'-i-ty, s. unlike- 
In-de-fat'-i-ga-ble,<z. unwearied 
In-sig-nif-i-can-cy, s. worth- 

lessness, unimportance 
In-stan-ta'-ne-ous-ly, ad. im- 
mediately 
In-a'-li-en-a-ble, a. that which 
cannot be transferred [quacy 
In-suf-fi'-ci-en-cy, 5. inade- 
In-ter-ro'-ga-to-ry, s. a question 
Ir-re-co'-ver-a-ble, a. not to be 

recovered 
Ir-re-me'-di-a-ble, a. incurable 
Pu-sil-lan-im'-i-ty, s. cowardice 
Re-com-mend'-a-to-ry, a. re- 
commending [habitation 
Un-in-ha'-bit-a-ble, a. unfit for 
Un-in-tel'-li-gi-ble, a. not to be 
understood 



WORDS USED IN 
LITERATURE, SCIENCE, AND ART. 





ABBREVIATIONS. 




An. . . 


. Anatomy. 


L. ... 


. Law. 


Ar. .. 


. Architecture. 


Mat . 


. Mathematics. 


Arith. 


. Arithmetic. 


Me... 


. Mechanics. 


As. . . . 


. Astronomy. 


Med. . 


. Medicine. 


Bo. .. 


. Botany. 


Mi . . . 


. Mineralogy. 


Ch. .. 


. Chemistry. 


Mu. . 


Music. 


Co 


. Commercial. 


Po ... 


. Poetry. 


For. . 


. Fortification. 


Ph... 


Physiology. 


Geo. . 


. Geology. 


Zo, . . . 


. Zoology. 



Abate'ment, (L.) the remov- 
al of any nuisance, the ending 
of a suit; (Co.) an allowance made 
in the price of goods, 

Abdom'en, (An.) the lower 
part of the belly. 

Abey'ance, (L.) a standing 
over, as when the heir to a title 
is not known, it is in abeyance. 

Abduc'tion, (L.) the crime 
of stealing a man, woman, or 
child. [beginning. 

Ab ini'tio, {inisheo) from the 

Ab'luents, diluting medicines 
which dissolve and carry off im- 
purities. 

Aborig'ines, the first inha- 
bitants of a country. 

Abob/tion, an untimely birth ; 
any design or production that 
does not come to maturity. 

Abba'sion, (Me.) wearing 
away by friction ; the crumbling 
of earth by frost. 

Ab'scess, an inflammatory tu- 



Absolu'tion, an acquittal 
from guilt; forgiveness. 

Absorp'tion, (Ph.) the taking 
up by minute vessels certain sub- 
stances, or liquids, and distributing 
them for the nutrition of the body. 

Abut'ment, (Me.) the solid 
support at the ends of a bridge or 
arch. In engineering, it is any 
part at which a moving power 
rises or stops. 

Aca'cia, (akashea) the Ameri- 
can thorn which produces the 
Gum Arabic ; the name of a genus 
of plants. 

Acad'emy, a general name for 
schools or learned societies*. 

Acan'thus, a thorny plant: 
an ornament in the capital of a 
Corinthian pillar. 

Acas'ta, a genus of shells 
found in sponge, and never affix- 
ed to hard bodies. 

Accel'ebate, to increase the 
speed of any movement. 

Accept' ance,(L.) the acknow- 



* Academy. — This word is frequently used as synonymous with school. 
A Seminary is literally a place where seeds are sown ; but it is used to 
describe any place where the seeds of knowledge are sown. A College is a 
higher school, where professors teach different branches ; a U?iiversity is 
a seat of learning, authorized to confer honours upon such as have studied 
in it. 



150 



WORDS OF VARIOUS SYLLABLES, 



ledgtnent of a debt made in wri- 
ting. 

Accessory, (L. ) not the chief 
actor, but one who has aided him 
in a misdemeanour or crime. 

Ac'cidence, a book teaching 
the rudiments of a language. 

Ac'cident, the peculiar circum- 
tances of a thing. 

Accor'diow, a small musical 
instrument, the sounds of which 
are produced by air acting on vi- 
brating tongues. 

Accompaniment, something 
added for relief or embellishment. 

Account'ant, one employed to 
compute, adjust, and arrange 
commercial accounts. 

Acet'ic acid, vegetable acid. 
It is the sour principle that exists 
in vinegar, but so powerful as to 
corrode the skin, and when heated 
in contact with air, it is inflam- 
mable. 

A'cids, (Ch.) are properties 



usually sour. They have a great 
affinity for water ; change blue 
vegetable colours to red, and com- 
bine with all the alkalies. 

Ac'olyte, the young official 
attendant of the Catholic priest. 

Acous'tics, the science which 
treats of the nature of sound,its ef- 
ects on the human ear,& the theory 
of musical concord & harmony*. 

Acros'tic, a poem so con- 
trived that the first letters of each 
consecutive line shall together 
form a word or name. 

Ac'tion, a thing done f . 

Ac'tuary, one who manages 
the business of a commercial 
company. 

Acu'men, quick discernment. 

Ada'gio, (Mu.) slowly and 
gracefully. 

Adden'da, things to be added. 

Adhe'sion, denotes a union, 
to a certain degree, between two 
distinct substances j. 



* Acoustics. — Sound proceeds from vibrations caused by a sounding 
body acting on the air, in pulsations or concentric circles, as the surface 
of water is affected when a stone is thrown into it. The variety of sounds 
depends on tha quantity and force of the vibrating material, according to 
the elasticity of the body, its tenuity or thickness. The introduction 
of a pea into a whistle, causes a greater vibration and a more continuous 
sound. Sound travels 1142 feet in a second, or 13 miles in a minute. 
Thus, when a ship at sea fires a gun as a signal of distress, persons on 
the shore, if they see the flash 20 seconds before they hear the report, 
know that the vessel is distant 20 times 1142 feet, or little more than 4| 
miles. If thunder commence 3 seconds after the flash of lightning is seen, 
the thunder cloud is only two-thirds of a mile distant. It is ascertained 
that the pulse of a healthy person beats about 76 times in a minute ; if, 
therefore, between a flash of lightning and the sound of thunder there be 1, 
2, 3, or 4 pulsations, the distance is 900, 1800, 2700, or 3600 feet. 

f Action. — In mechanics, is the pressure or striking of one thing 
against another : — in morals, it is something done by an agent capable of 
distinguishing right from wrong : — in painting or sculpture, it applies to 
the posture of the figures introduced: — in war, it is a struggle for victory 
between opposing parties : — in law, it is a suit or process. When there is a 
particular statute for it, it is called upon a statute ; when there is no statute 
for it, it is called on the case ; when it is for the recovery of a penalty, it 
is called qui tarn. 

% Adhesion. — All substances consist of infinitely small particles, each 
of which possesses the power of attracting other particles to it. This may 



IN LITERATURE, SCIENCE, AND ART. 



151 



Ad'junct, something added, 
but not essential to a thing. Wa- 
ter absorbed by a sponge is an 
adjunct, but no essential part of 
that substance. 

Ad honor'es, for decency's 
sake. 

Ad lis'itum, at discretion, 
or as circumstances may require. 

Ad'miral, the commander of 
a fleet of ships of war. 

Administrator, (L.) a per- 
son appointed to dispose cf the 
effects of one who dies without 
having made a will. 

Ad valo'rem, (Co.) customs 
levied according to the value or 
worth of the goods as declared by 
the owner. 

Ad'vent, the season observed 



by the church to commemorate 
the coming of Christ. 

Advow'son, (L.) the right to 
present a minister to a vacant 
church or benefice . 

JEdi'lb, a Roman magistrate, 
who had the care of buildings, 
markets, roads, and streets. 

^Eo'lian Harp, an arrange- 
ment of musical strings played 
upon by the wind. [winds. 

iE'oLus, the fabled god of the 

Ae'rolites, meteoric stories 
which fall from the atmosphere, 
and have been found at different 
times, some weighing a few 
grains, and others upwards of a 
hundred pounds. 

Aeros'tation, the art of sail- 
ing through the air, as in a balloon. 



be explained by referring to the experiment of a leathern sucker. If the 
sucker be dipped in water, placed on a stone, and pressed down with the 
foot, so as to exclude the air, it will retain its hold, notwithstanding the 
weight of the stone. Dry leather will not adhere to a smooth substance ; 
but when made wet, the inequalities of its surface are removed, and 
they stick together. When the central part of the sucker is drawn 
up by the string, the hollow thus produced becomes a vacuum, since 
the air cannot pass through the leather to fill it up. In this state the 
atmosphere presses upon the exterior of the leather, and, like any other 
weight, prevents its rising from the stone. But if the atmosphere be 
able to force its way through the edges of the sucker, the interior becomes 
filled with air ; it then balances the external weight which before con- 
fined it, and no longer adheres. There exists a tendency in all bodies 
to adhere to others, particularly if the contact of their surfaces be suffici- 
ently perfect. On this principle God has formed the feet of many insects, 
and they are provided with suckers proportionate to their size and weight, 
so that they can walk up the side of a wall, or along the ceiling of a room 
with the body downwards. The Mediterranean Sea and the Indian Ocean 




contain the sucker fish, or Remora. This has a sucker on its head, 
and it frequently adheres to the bottom of a ship, and even to the body of 
a large fish. J 



152 



WORDS OF VARIOUS SYLLABLES, 



Affida'vit, (L.) a written 
declaration on oath, 

Affin'ity, (Ch.) a tendency 
of bodies to combine; thus, an acid 
and an alkali unite, and form a 
neutral salt. Oil and water do 
not unite, because they have no 
affinity. 

Affirma'tion, a pledge of ve- 
racity ; substitute for an oath. 

A fortio'ri, with stronger 
reason. [many particulars. 

.Ag'gregate, the result of 

Agist'ment, (L.) taking in 
cattle to graze at so much per 
week. 

Ag'nus L>E'i,the lamb of God. 

Ag'riculture, the art of 
cultivating the earth, so as to 
preserve and increase its fertility. 
A'gue, a periodical fever which 
occurs chiefly in low marshy 
situations. 

Aid-de-camp, (aid-de-Jtong',) 
an officer attending on a gene- 
ral to receive and carry orders. 



Air, a subtile, invisible, elas- 
tic fluid ; its bulk and density de- 
pending upon the temperature 
and pressure to which it is ex- 
posed. It is 820 times lighter 
than water*. 

A'labaster, a white stone, 
similar to marble, but softer in 
texture. It is used for ornaments, 
and small pieces of statuary. 

Albi'nos, a white race, with 
flaxen hair, red eyes, and a pale 
livid whiteness. 

Albu'men, (Ch.) a transparent 
and viscous fluid, found in the 
greatest purity in the white of 



Al'chemy, a vain art which 
had in view the discovery of an 
elixir of perpetual life, and of the 
power of transmuting baser 
metals into gold. 

Al'cohol, (Ch.) a highly rec- 
tified spirit, produced by vinous 
fermentation, and separated by 
distillation f. 



* Air. — Air is a material substance ; this may be easily proved, for 
when a youth forces air into a bladder, and closes the aperture, it becomes 
a ball, which, though scarcely of any weight, feels hard by pressure, and 
will resist a force equal to the strength of the material by which it is con- 
tained. The power and elasticity of air are also exemplified in the air- 
gun ; for, when pressed into such an instrument, and allowed suddenly to 
escape, it will force a bullet through a deal board an inch thick. Air, 
however, is not a simple substance ; its elements are oxygen, nitrogen, 
and a very small portion of carbonic acid ; the proportion of weight in 
nine grains of air, is two of oxygen, and seven of nitrogen. On the lower 
surface of the earth, air is more dense than on the tops of mountains ; 
and the higher we ascend, the thinner and colder it becomes ; so that if a 
pistol be fired at a great height, the sound it produces is scarcely heard. 
Could we dig to a depth of thirty miles below the surface of the earth, 
the air would there have the same density as water ; at the depth of forty- 
two miles, it would have that of quicksilver ; while at the centre it would 
be a solid substance. Like every other substance, air has a tendency to 
gravitate towards the earth ; and the lower strata, being pressed upon by 
the upper, become more compressed. This may be rendered more plain 
by supposing the atmosphere, which extends to about 45 miles from the 
earth, to be a column whose weight is 100 pounds ; in that case the base 
would be pressed upon by 99 pounds, the next portion by 98 pounds, and 
so on, until we arrived at the top, which would sustain no weight at all. 

f Alcohol is chiefly prepared from grapes, molasses, grain, and the 
farina, or flowery parts, of potatoes ; as these substances contain sugary 






IN LITERATURE, SCIENCE, AND ART. 



153 



Alco'ran, or Koran, the vol- 
ume containing the doctrines and. 
precepts of Mahomet. 

Al'gebra, the science of cal- 
culating by means of symbols and 
letters, instead of by figures. 

A'lias, (L.) otherwise. 

A'libi, (L.) being in another 
place at a certain time. 

A'lien, (L.) a person born in 
a foreign land. 

Alien a'tion, (L.) the act of 
transferring the title and posses- 
sion of land, or other things, from 
one person to another. 

Al'iment, whatever serves as 
nutriment to animal life. 

Al'imony, (L.) the allowance 
a wife can claim from a husband 
when separated from him . 

Al'iquant parts, numbers 
which will not divide or measure 
a whole number exactly. Thus, 



seven is an aliquant part of six- 
teen. 

Al'iquot ■ parts, numbers 
which will divide and measure a 
whole number exactly, without 
any remainder. For instance, 
two is an aliquot part of four, 
three of nine, and four of sixteen. 

Al'kali, (Ch.) an appellation 
given to certain substances which 
excite an ebullition when mixed 
with acids.* 

Al'kaline, having the proper- 
ties of an alkali. 

Alle'giance (L.) the duty 
which binds the subject to the 
sovereign, in return for that pro- 
tection which the sovereign af- 
fords the subject. 

Al'legor y, a figurative speech, 
in which something more is in- 
tended than is expressed in the 
words taken literally f. 



matter, which is the basis of vinous fermentation. Alcohol is a hot, pun- 
gent, colourless, transparent fluid, so volatile as to be easily converted 
into vapour by the heat of the hand, and is said to be incapable of being 
frozen. It is a strong poison, a powerful antiseptic, and constitutes, also, 
the intoxicating property in wine, beer, and other strong drinks. 

* Alkali. — This word was first used by the Arabians as a name for the salt 
procured from the ashes left after the burning of marine vegetables, particu- 
larly the salt kali. The chief alkalies are potash, soda, and ammonia ; the 
first two are called fixed alkalies, the last volatile alkali. Potash is obtained 
by burning wood, and other vegetable matter, to white ashes, which, after 
being well washed, are subjected to heat in a crucible. Soda is a mineral 
alkali, being sometimes found in large seams in the earth ; and in sea- 
weed, but it is now obtained by the application of sulphuric acid (oil of 
vitriol) to common salt. It is an important ingredient in the manufacture 
of glass and soap. Ammonia is termed a volatile alkali, because it is prin- 
cipally in a gaseous state. 

f Allegory. — One of the most beautiful is in the eightieth psalm, in 
which God's peculiar people, the Jews, are spoken of as a vineyard : 
" Thou hast brought a vine out of Egypt ; thou hast, cast out the heathen 
and planted it. Thou didst cause it to take deep root, and it filled the 
land. The hills were covered with its shadow, and the boughs thereof 
were like the goodly cedars. Why hast thou broken down her hedges, so 
that all that pass do pluck her? and the boar out of the wood doth Waste 
it, and the wild beast doth devour it. Return, we beseech thee, O God of 
hosts ! look down from heaven, and behold, and visit this vine, and the 
vineyard thy right hand hath planted, and the branch thou madest strong 
for thyself." In this allegory, there is no circumstance that does not 
strictly agree with a vine ; while, at the same time, the whole agrees 
with the Jewish state represented by this figure. 

H 2 



154 



WORDS OF VARIOUS SYLLABLES, 



Alle'gro, (Mu.) the part play- 
ed in a lively and gay manner. 

Alli'teration, a figure of 
speech, chiefly used in poetry.* 

Allo'dial, (L ) relating to 
lands which, under the feudal 
system, were free, their owners 
owing no service to a superior lord. 

All'spice, the dried unripe 
berry of the Pimento tree, a na- 
tive of Mexico and the West In- 
dies. The flavour is highly 
aromatic, and includes that of 
several spices. 

Alltj'vial, relating to those 
parts of the earth's surface brought 
together or deposited by inunda- 
tions, or mountain torrents. Gra- 
ve^ loam, clay, sand, brown coal, 
bog, iron ore, wood, and coal, are 
of this kind. 

Al'mond, the kernel of a peach, 
which grows in the south of 
Europe. 

A'loes, a medicine of bitter 
flavour, distilled from the leaves 
of the aloe-tree. In the East, 
another species, called tambac, is 
a perfume highly valued. 

Al'pha, the first letter of the 
Greek alphabet, [place or space. 

Al'titude, the height of a 

Al'to Relie'vo, sculptured 
work, standing out from the 
general flat surface. 



Al'um, a whitish crystalline 
salt, consisting of clay, potash, 
and sulphuric acidf . 

Amal'gam, a combination of 
mercury with other metallic sub- 
stances. 

Amanuen'sis, a person who 
writes what another dictates. 

Am'azons, female warriors, 
most of whose recorded exploits 
are the creation of fancy. 

Am'azon, a river of South 
America, being above 3000 miles 
in length, and 200 or 300 feet 
deep, at 1500 m. from its mouth. 

Ambas'sador, a person sent as 
the representative of a nation to 
a foreign country on any pub- 
lic business. 

Am'ber, a yellow gum, which 
becomes electrical by friction. 

Am'bergris, a solid, opaque, 
fatty substance, found on the sea- 
shores in warm climates, and sup- 
posed to be produced by the sperm 
whale. 

Ambidex'ter, a person who 
can use both hands with equal 
ease ; one who in party disputes 
will act on either side. 

Ambigu'ity, employment of 
words which admit of various 
significations. 

Amerce'ment, (L.) punish- 
ment by a pecuniary penalty. 



* Alliteration, — consists in the repetition of the same letter at 
certain intervals ; as 

"jRuin seize thee, ruthless King." 
The following on Cardinal Wolsey seems designed to ridicule alliteration : 
" .Begot by butchers, but by Mshops 6red, 
" How high, his Mghness ftoids his haughty /jead ! " 
f Alum, — is sometimes found ready formed in the earth ; but it is more 
commonly obtained from a clayey earth, called Alumina, or from the 
alum-ore collected from pits of coal. "When this ore is first dug up, it is 
put into depositories freely exposed to the air, and covered with water 
impregnated with sulphate of iron and alumina. "When the water has 
imbibed the saline matter, aud the earthy sediment is separated from it, 
the water is evaporated by boiling. It is then transferred to large coolers, 
where the process of crystallization takes place. The crystals undergo 
several processes, for the purpose of purifying the alum till it is fit for use. 



IN LITERATURE, SCIENCE, AND ART. 



155 



Am'ethyst, a precious stone*. 

Ammo'nia, (Ch.) a volatile gas, 
caused by heat and moisture act- 
ing on animu matter; its smell is 
suffocating, and when most con- 
centrated, destroys lifef . 

Am'monite, or snake-stone ; a 
fossil-shell rolled up into a ser- 
pentine-shape, [don. 

Am'nesty, (L.) a general par- 

Amor patria, love of country. 

Amphib'ious, being so form- 
ed as to be able to live at pleasure 
upon land, or in the water. 

Am'phitrite, (Z.) a small sea 
insect : in the Heathen Mytho- 
logy it is the goddess of the sea. 

Am'ulets, stones or trifles 
worn as supposed preventives of 
disorders or ill fortune. 

Anac'hronism, an error in 
computing time. 

An'agram, a transposition of 
the letters of some name, by means 
of which a new word is formed. 



Analeptics, (Med.) restora- 
tives which serve to repair the 
strength. 

Anal'ogy, a certain resem- 
blance or agreement between two 
or more things, which in other 
respects are entirely different. 

Anal'ysis, the act of dividing 
a subject into its component parts, 
and a contrary process to Synthe- 
sis, which consists in uniting the 
parts into a whole. 

Ana'strophe, in rhetoric the 
reversion of words in a sentence. 

An ATH'EMA,a curse pronounced 

Anat'omy, the art of dissect- 
ing bodies for the purpose of ex- 
amining their structure, and the 
nature, uses, and functions of the 
various parts J. 

An'chorite, one who, as an 
assumed service to God, denies 
himself the comforts of life, and 
separates himself from the world. 

Andan'te, (Mu.) is the me 



* Amethyst. — The precious stones are of various colours, and trans- 
parent. The Diamond is white ; Ruby and Garnet different shades of red. 
Amethyst is violet ; Sapphire and Torquoise, different shades of blue. 
Emerald, Beryl, and Aqua-marine, are different shades of green. The 
Topaz is yellow. The stones which are not deemed precious, are the 
Opal, Cornelian, Onyx, Sardonyx, Agate, and Jasper. These will all take 
a fine polish ; they are of various colours, and are used by jewellers 
for ornaments. 

f Ammonia. — It is artificially produced from most animal matter, except 
fat, by siibjecting it to heat in iron cylinders ; and when bones, hoofs, horns, 
woollen rags, and pounded coal, are thus burnt, a large quantity of car- 
bonate of ammonia is obtained, some of which is in a solid form, but the 
greater portion in a liquid state, having a pungent, disagreeable smell. 
From these is formed Spirit of Hartshorn. 

% Anatomy. — The names of various parts of the human body are, 
the skull, which contains the brain ; the jaivs and teeth, by the motions 
of which the tones of the voice are regulated, and the important process 
of chewing the food performed ; the gums ; the tongue ; the palate, or roof 
of the mouth, which is the organ of taste; the mouth; the gullet, or 
throat, the passage through which the food is conveyed into the stomach ; 
the windpipe, or passage for the breath to and from the lungs ; the chest, 
or interior of the breast, containing the heart and lungs, and other 
organs. The stomach resembles a bagpipe in shape ; into this the food is 
received and digested, and from thence it passes into the bowels. The 



156 



WORDS OF VARIOUS SYLLABLES, 



dium between the extremes of 
slow and quick time ; gentle, dis- 
tinct, and soothing. 

Anemom'eter, an instrument 
for measuring the force and velo- 
city of wind. 

An'eurism, (Ph.) a diseased 
swelling of an artery, attended 
with an irregular pulsation. 

An'gle, (Mat.) the space be- 
tween two lines which meet at 
a point. When they meet perpen- 
dicularly it is a right angle, and 
is 90 degrees ; when less, it is an 
acute angle; and when larger, 
an obtuse angle. 

An'glicism, a mode of speech 
peculiar to the English. 

Animal'cule, an animal ex- 
ceedingly small ; sometimes in- 
visible to the naked eye. 

Aw'imus, the spirit of any 
thing, or the principle of life. 



Anniversary, the annual 
return of some remarkable day. 

Annotation, a brief com- 
mentary, [our Lord. 

Anno domini, in the year of 

An'nular, in the form of, or 
resembling a ring. 

An'odyne, (Med.) that which 
has the power to mitigate pain 
and produce sleep. 

A NOM'ALY,deviation from com- 
mon rule. [fj m g before. 

An'te, a Latin particle, signi- 

Antece'dent, a word or argu- 
ment that goes before. 
. Ante Merid'ian, the time be- 
fore noon; its abbreviated form 
is A. M. [ers of insects. 

Anten'n^e, the horns or feel- 

Antepenul'timate, the last 
but two of any number of letters, 
words, or things. 

Antho'logy, (Bo.) a collection 



heart is a muscular vessel by the motion of which the blood is circulated 
through the body. The lungs, sometimes called the lights, receive and 
discharge the air we breathe. The liver is a firm substance on the right 
side of the lower part of the belly, and separates the bile from the blood. 
The glands are small roundish lumps which secrete various fluids from 
the blood : the kidnies belong to this class. The bladder is a bag which 
ceives a large portion of fluid intended to passed from the body. 

There are, beside, several substances and organs which extend through 
the body. Bones are hard substances which form the skeleton, or frame 
work. The spine, or back-bone, is formed of a number of small bones, 
called vertebrae, so united to each other as to be perfectly flexible. Ribs 
are curved bones, joined to the spine behind, and to the breast-bone in 
front. Cartilage is a smooth, gristly substance, covering the ends of 
bones at their joints. Ligaments are bands which connect bones. Joints 
are the parts where the bones are united. Muscles are fibrous portions 
of flesh, by which the motions of the body are performed. Tendons are 
the ends of the muscles formed into cords. A sinew is a smaller kind of 
tendon. Nerves are small cords which proceed from the brain, and extend 
through every part, causing sensation, or feelings. Arteries are the larger 
blood vessels, conveying the blood from the heart to the most distant 
part. Veins are smaller vessels through which the blood is conducted 
back again. At every pulsation, or beating of the heart, the blood is 
forced into the arteries, and causes the motion called the pulse. In the 
same manner the blood flows into the veins and returns to the heart : 
this motion is called the circulation of the blood. The pores are very 
small openings in the skin, through which a watery fluid escapes. 



IN LITERATURE, SCIENCE, AND ART, 



157 



cf flowers ; in poetry it is a selec- 
tion of choice poems. 

An'thracite, a species of 
coal which kindles without flame 
or smoke, and burns with an in- 
tense heat. It is of value in the 
smelting of iron. 

Anthropoph'agi, a word sig- 
nifying men-eaters. 

An'ti, a Greek particle, signi- 
fying contrary to. 

Anticli'max, in oratory or 
writing, a descent or fall, from 
the great to the little. 

An'tidote, a remedy 

An'timony, a white brittle 
metal, incapable of being rolled 
into sheets or drawn into wire ; 
it is used in medicine in different 
forms. 

Antip'odes, the place diame- 
trically opposite to another*. 

Antithesis, a figure in rhe* 
toric by which a contrast is 
drawn between two things, so as 
to exhibit the opposite qualities 
of eachf. 

Antisep'tics, those substan- 
ces which prevent putrefaction, 
as salt, nitre, sugar, vinegar, char- 
coal, and alcohol. 

An'titype, a figure correspond- 
ing to some type. 

Ape'rient, (Med.) a mildly- 
laxative drug. 



Aphe'lion, (As.) that point 
of a planet's orbit, in which 
it is most distant from the sun. 

A'piary, a place where bees 
are kept in hives. 

A'pogee, (As.) the greatest 
distance of the moon from the 
earth. 

Apoc'ryphal, something 
doubtful, or unknown. 

Ap'ograph, a copy or trans- 
script of some book or writing. 

Apol'lo, the fabled god of 
poetry, music, and the fine arts. 

A'pologue, a fable or story 
so contrived as to teach some 
moral truth. 

Ap'oplexy, a disorder of the 
brain, which suddenly destroys 
all sensation. 

A posterio'ri, from the effect 
to the cause. 

Apos'tles, the twelve disciples 
of Christ, who after his cruci- 
fixion preached the gospel. 

Apos'trophe, in rhetoric a 
sudden change by which a speak- 
er turns his discourse from the 
subject to some person or thing ; 
as, death, where is thy sting ? 
O grave, where is thy victory ? J 

Ap'othegm, (Apothem) a short, 
sententious, instructive maxim ; 
as, " Wisdom is the principal 
thing ; therefore get wisdom." 



* Antipodes. — If we suppose a hole to be bored from any given place 
through the centre of the earth to another, that part would be the antipodes 
to the former place. The antipodes to England is in the Southern Ocean, 
in latitude 51 J S. and longitude 180° W. At this place it is night during 
our day, and summer during our winter. 

f Antithesis. — The following is a specimen ; as, * He was great by the 
energies of nature ; you were little by the misapplication of wit. Wit 
in him was of spontaneous growth ; in you it seemed to be the fruit of 
crude study." 

| Apostrophe. — It is frequently used in poetry, in which only it is ad- 
missible, to reduce a line to its proper measure, as in the following 
example : — 

Fix'd to ao spot is happiness sincere, 
' Tis no where to be found, or ev'ry where. 

In Grammar, it denotes a note or character placed over a letter instead 
of a vowel, to shew that the vowel is not to be pronounced. 



158 



WORDS OF VARIOUS SYLLABLES, 



Apothe'osis, a ceremony, by 
which emperors, holy men, and 
others, were consecrated, or dei- 
fied after death. 

Ap'panage, land set apart by 
princes, to support their younger 
children. 

Appea'l, (L.) the removal of 
a cause from an inferior to a su- 
perior court. 

A prio'ri, from the cause to 
the effect. 

Approximation, a drawing 
near to. 

Appropriation, (L.)the dis- 
posal of tithes which do not be- 
long to the beneficed clergyman, 
but are devoted to the support of 
a college or a bishoprick. If a 
layman hold them, the holding 
is an impropriation. 

Aquafor'tis, (Ch.) the name 
given to diluted nitric acid. It 
corrodes metals. 

Aquat'ic, that which lives and 
grows in or on the water. 

Aquatint'a, a style of engrav- 
ing resembling the effect of a 
drawing made with Indian ink. 

Aq'ueduct, a conveyance for 
water*. 



Ar'abesque, any fanciful en 
richments or sculpture, used upon 
flat surfaces, consisting of inter- 
lacing,foliage,scrolls, or networkf . 

Arbitrator, (L.) a judge, 
chosen by the mutual consent of 
disputants to settle their dispute. 

Arbores'cent, haying a re- 
semblance to trees. 

Architecture, the art of 
designing and erecting buildings. 
It contains five orders, called the 
Tuscan, Doric, Ionic, Corinthian, 
and Composite. 

Ar'chitrave, that part of a 
column immediately over the ca- 
pital. 

Ar'chetype, the first model 
of any work. 

Argilla'ceous, partaking of 
the nature of clay. 

Argumen'tum ad hom'inum, 
an argument to the man. 

Aristoc'racy, a form of go- 
vernment where the supreme 
power is vested jointly in the 
principal persons of the state. 
The nobility of any country. 

Arithmetic, the art of num- 
bering or reckoning. 

Aro'ma, that part of odorous 



* Aqueduct. — To bring water from a distance, some of the most 
stupendous works of antiquity were erected. Had the ancients been 
aware of the influence of the atmosphere upon all fluids, a great propor- 
tion of their labour might have been spared.. As the Romans extended 
their conquests, they built aqueducts near the most important cities ; and 
our cut is a representation of the Pon t du Gard, which remains as a 
monument of the genius and industry of that people. It is situated near 
Nismes, in the South of France, and is composed of three several bridges, 
one above the other, of which the arcades successively diminish in space 
and increase in number. The first bridge or range of arches is composed 
of arched openings, 500 feet long, and 62 feet high ; the second 
range has eleven arches, of the same height as that beneath, but 798 feet 
in length ; the third range consists of thirty-five arches or arcades, on a 
scale smaller by five to one ; and this was the canal or aqueduct, four feet 
in height, five feet in breadth, its side-walls or parapets two feet six inches 
thick, its sides incrusted with a layer of cement three inches thick, and a 
coat of red paint over, and its bed of mixed pebbles, sand, and lime, eight 
inches thick, as new as if it were the work of the last age : the whole 
joined two lofty heights, and carried the waters of the Uzes to ancient 
Nismes. 



IN LITERATURE, SCIENCE, AND ART. 



159 



bodies which affects the organs of 
smell. 

Aromat'ic, yielding a fragrant 
smell, and imparting a warm taste. 

Arpeg'gio, distinctness of tone 
in musical language. 

Arraign 'ment, (L.) is the 
calling of a person to the bar of 
a court, to answer an indictment. 

Arres't, (L.) the seizing a 
person to place him in custody. 

Ar'row root, a plant of highly 
nutritious qualities, used by the 
Indians as a remedy for the wounds 
inflicted by poisoned arrows. 

Ar'senal, a magazine, a place 
where warlike equipments are 
stored. 



Ar'senic, (Ch.) a brittle whit- 
ish metal, strongly poisonous. 
It is obtained from several 
minerals. 

Ar'teries, that class of ves- 
sels which distribute the red or 
oxygenated blood over the 
body. 

Arte'sian Wells, borings 
made through various strata of 
earth, from which water rises 
spontaneously. 

Asafcet'ida, a resinous gum, 
of a very offensive smell, ob- 
tained from a plant which is a 
native of Persia. 

Asbes'tos, a fibrous mineral, 
very abundant in Corsica*. 



The City of Rome was at one time supplied with water from twenty 
aqueducts, whose sources were from thirty to sixty miles distant. The 
series of arches in one of these was calculated at 7000, their height being, 




in many places, more than a hundred ieet. The ruins of several of these 
splendid works remain ; and modern Rome is supplied by water by three 
of the ancient aqueducts, which have undergone repairs and restoration. 

f Arabesque. — Thus named, because the Arabians, with whom it 
originated, rejected the representation of animals. 

* Asbestos. — This fibrousmineral, sometimes called Mountain flax, was 
formerly manufactured into cloth, for the purpose of wrapping the dead 
bodies intended to be burned. Such cloth resisted any ordinary fire, and 
thus the ashes of the corpse were preserved distinct, and could be placed 



M 



160 



WORD3 OF VARIOUS SYLLABLES, 



Ascar'ides, worms that infest 
the intestines of animals. 

Asphal'tum, a mineral pitch, 
one of the varieties of bitumen, 
formed by the decomposition of 
vegetable matter*. 

Assay'ing, the process of test- 
ing the purity of the precious 
metals; it determines the quantity 
of any ore contained in them. 

Ass'ets, (L.) goods or money 
sufficient to satisfy a legal de- 
mand. 

Assid'uous, constant in appli- 
cation and study, till the object 
is accomplished. 

Assign 'men t, (L.^ transfer- 
ring the interest which a man 
has in anything to another person. 

Assimila'tion, the act of con- 
verting anything into the nature 
and substance of another. 

Assump'sit, (L.) a volunta- 
ry promise, by which a man as- 
sumes or takes upon himself to 
perform or pay any thing to 
another. 

Asth'ma, a disease of the lungs, 
causing painful, difficult, and la- 
borious breathing, with a hissing 
cough. 

Astrol'ogy, the impudent pre- 
tence of an ability to foretell fu- 
ture events by the situations and 
aspects of the heavenly bodies. 

Astrin'gent, binding or con- 
tracting. 

Astron'omy, the science of 



the celestial bodies, explaining 
their magnitude, motion, distan- 
ces, period, eclipses, and order. 

Athen^e'um, an ancient place 
for public teaching. 

Athle'te, those who contested 
at the public games of Greece for 
the prizes given in reward of 
superior personal strength and 
agility. 

At'om, a particle of matter so 
very minute as to admit of no 
further division. 

Attachment, (L.) the sei- 
zure of goods which are not 
removed, but secured till the issue 
of a cause is known. 

Attain'der, (L.) that stain 
or infamy which is incurred by a 
man who has committed felony, 
treason, or other crime, and who 
is capitally convicted of the 
same. 

Attenua'tion, the art of 
making any thing thin or slender. 

Attor'ney, (L.) one who is 
qualified to take out any process 
in a court of law; a legal agent. 

Attesta'tion, (L.) the giv- 
ing testimony or evidence of the 
truth of any thing, especially in 
writing. 

Attraction, the tendency 
which all bodies have to approach 
each other. 

Attrition, such a motion of 
bodies against one another, as 
strikes off some superficial parti- 



in vases or urns. The art of making this cloth was lost in the middle ages ; 
but recently some portions of dress were made from it, under the idea 
that it would prove useful to firemen and others, who might be exposed to 
the action of flame. 

* Asphaltum is found in abundance near the Dead Sea, and in still 
greater quantities in the island of Trinidad, where there is a large plain of 
it, called the Tar Lake, which is three miles round, and is of unknown 
depth. Asphaltum constituted the chief material of the Greek fire. The 
ancients generally used it as mortar in their buildings, and the Egyptians 
used it in their process of embalming. In combination with gravel it 
forms a very hard cement, and is now much employed in the paving of 
streets. 



IN LITERATURE, SCIENCE, AND ART. 



161 



cles. The grinding and polishing 
of bodies is performed by at- 
trition. 

At'rophy, (Med.) a disease, 
under the influence of which the 
body, or some of its parts, from va- 
rious causes, insensibly wastes 
away. 

Attributes, in logic, are 
what may be affirmed or denied 
of things.* 

Au'ditor, an officer appoint- 
ed annually to examine accounts. 

Au'gury, the assumed power 
of foretelling events by signs 
and omens. 

Au'lic, the high court or coun- 
cil of the German empire. 

Au'ricles, (An.) muscular 
appendages to the heart and 
ears. 

Auro'ra, the morning twi- 
light. 

Auso'ra Borea'lis, the 
northern lights, f 

Ausculta'tion, the discovery 
of disease from internal sounds. 

Au'tograph, a persons hand- 
writing. 

Autom'aton, a figure to which 



motion is given by wheels, springs, 
and weights. [helps. 

Auxiliary, anything that 

Av'alanche, an increasing 
mass of snow that rolls from the 
tops of high mountains. 

Ava'tar, an Hindoo word used 
to express an incarnate descent of 
the god Vishnu upon earth, nine 
of which descents are held to have 
been already made, while the 
tenth is yet to come. 

Av'erage, the results from an 
equal division of several sums 
added together. 

A'viary, a place for the feed- 
ing and breeding of birds. 

Az'ote, (Ch.) called also Nitro- 
gen, is one of the substances or 
gases of which air is composed ; 
it will extinguish flame and de- 
stroy life. It forms about 4 fifths 
of atmospheric air. 

B. 

B a'chelor, a man unmarried J. 

Bail, (L.) sureties who under- 
take to produce, at a certain time 
and place, a person who may be 
charged with an offence. 



* Attributes. — In painting and sculpture they are symbols added to 
several figures, to intimate their particular office and character. Thus, an 
eagle is an attribute of Jupiter ; a peacock, of Juno ; a club, of Hercules ; 
a palm, of Victory ; &c. The perfections of God, as justice, goodness, 
wisdom, and power, are called his attributes. 

f Aurora Borealis, — This luminous, oscillating meteor appears at 
night, and most usually in frosty weather. It is seldom seen towards the 
equator, but appears with the greatest lustre towards the polar regions, 
where its effulgence affords a very beautiful light. This phenomenon is 
supposed to result from the movement of electricity through the air. Its 
appearance has sometimes caused great terror to those who were unac- 
quainted with its harmless effect. 

% Bachelor. — At Universities, a title given to persons who have 
obtained the first degree in the particular study to which they are 
devoted. Before a person can be admitted to this degree at Oxford, 
(and the same rule applies to Cambridge,) he must study there four years ; 
three years additional entitle him to the degree of Master of Arts, and 
in seven years more he may attain the dignity of Bachelor of Divinity. 
A Bachelor of Music must have composed an exercise for voices and 
instruments, in six parts, which exercise must be publicly performed in 
the University. Knight Bachelor is the designation of tl© lowest order of 
Knights, whose title is not hereditary. 



162 



WORDS OF VARIOUS SYLLABLES, 



Ball, a round substance*. 

Ballo'on, an aerial machinef. 

Bank'rupt, a man in debt 
beyond the power of payment. 

Bar'bacan, an outer defence 
or fortification to a city or 
castle. 

Baril'la, an alkaline sub- 
stance obtained from the ash of 
sea weed, and formerly employed 
in manufacturing soap and glass. 
But common rock salt has now 
nearly superseded its use. 

Bar'ioscope, an instrument 
which determines the true quan- 
tity of air in a certain space. 

Barom'eter, an instrument 
for measuring the weight or 
pressure of the atmosphere]:. 



Bar'ratry, (L.) fomenting 
quarrels and law-suits; any foul 
practice on the part of the master 
or mariners of a ship. 

Barrica'de, to stop up a 
passage with materials the most 
readily obtained. 

Bar'row, in British Antiqui- 
ties a mound of earth raised as 
a sepulchral monument over the 
bodies of deceased warriors. 

Bar'ter, the exchange of one 
commodity for another ; the mode 
adopted among those tribes or 
people who possess no money. 

Bary'tes, a combination of 
the metal barium and oxygen. 

Basil'icon, an ointment con- 
sisting of resin, oil, and wax. 



* Ball, in astronomy, is a globe or sphere. Place a line round it, 
and the length of that is the circumference, or 360 degrees ; cut it 
exactly in halves, and it forms two " hemispheres ;" put a line across the 
widest flat surface of the divided ball, and the length that way is the 
" diameter" about one third of the circumference) : again, cut one of the 
hemispheres in two, and you have a quarter, and "a right angle" of 
90 degrees. In philosophy, when a ball is bowled up to a certain object 
its turning round is called a " revolution on its axis ; " as it goes onward, 
its motion is said to be " rectilinear," that is, in a straight line. The action 
of your hand, which set the ball in motion, is called " force ; " the speed, 
at which it goes is "velocity," or rate of motion : should a few stones 
prevent the ball reaching the object, its motion is "retarded;" but 
should it reach the point aimed at, and pass down a declivity behind, it 
then receives an "accelerated" motion. At cricket playing, when the 
ball is struck by the bat, the blow is called the momentum : and the 
distance it may travel depends on the relative sizes of the bat and ball, 
and the force with which it was struck. From principles similar to these, 
have the three following laws of motion been established. 1. — That every 
body will continue in a state of rest, until put into motion by some external 
force applied to it, and if that force be single, the motion so produced 
will be in a straight line, rectilinear. 2. — Change of motion is always 
proportioned to the moving force impressed, and is always made in the 
direction of the right line in which the force acts. 3. — Action and 
Re-action are equal in equal quantities of matter, and act in contrary 
directions to each other. 

f Balloons, are formed of silk, and are rendered air-tight by a 
varnish made of a solution of gums and India rubber. They are some- 
times filled with hydrogen or heated air, which is much lighter than the 
atmospheric air ; but the ordinary coal gas, when the more valuable illu- 
minating gas is evolved, is often used, as it contains less carbon, and is 
much lighter. 

% Barometer. — The action of this instrument is the pressure of the 
air on a column of mercury, which is an elastic substance, that is ex- 



IN LITERATURE, SCIENCE, AND ART. 



163 



Basal'tes, a heavy hard 
stone*, 

Bass Relief, sculpture, the 
figures of which do not stand 
fully out from the ground. 

Bastina'do, the punishment 
of beating on the soles of the feet. 

Bas'tion, a rampart or bul- 
wark projecting beyond the walls 
of a town. 

Bat'on, a staff, or truncheon, 
a symbol of authority, [soldiers. 

Battal'ion, a body of foot 

Bat'ten, a narrow slip of wood 
used for building purposes. 

Bat'tery, (L.) a violent beat- 
ing or striking any person. 

Bat'tlements, walls raised 
above the top of a fortified build- 
ing, having openings for the dis- 
charge of missiles. 



Bay'- salt, salt obtained by the 
evaporation of sea-water in shal- 
low pits. 

Bazaa'r, an eastern name 
for a daily market, or exchange. 

Beatifica'tion, an act by 
which the Pope declares that a 
deceased person is blessed. 

Beau Mond'k, the gay and 
fashionable world. 

Belles Lettres, (bel-la'-ter) 
polite literature, especially that 
species which has a reference to 
matters of taste. 

Bellig'erent, engaged in 
war; inclined to war, [and tin. 

Bell-metal, an alloy of copper 

Belvedere, (Ar.) an emi- 
nence for the enjoyment of a 
prospect, or a fine view. 

Ben'zoin, (Med.) a gum or 



panded or contracted by weight. It is sometimes called a weather-glass, 
because it indicates by its rising or falling any change which the atmos- 
phere undergoes. It is also used to ascertain the height which travellers 
may attain, either on a mountain, or in a balloon, as the mercury falls 
about one tenth of an inch in every 100 feet of a perpendicular ascent. 

* Basaltes. — This stone is supposed to be of volcanic origin, as it is 
often found near volcanoes. Large columns of basalt form the Giants' 




Causeway, in Ireland, and the Isle of S tafia, one of the Hebrides. The 
most remarkable specimen is the Cave of Fingal, of which a representation 
is here given. This is an object of great magnificence. It is entered by an 



164 



WORDS OF VARIOUS SYLLABLES, 



resin, sometimes called gum ben- 
jamin. 

Ber'gamot, a fruit produced 
by grafting the citron on the 
Bergamot pear tree : its essence 
makes a delightful perfume. 

Be'tel Nut, the fruit of an 
Indian plant, the leaf of which is 
chewed by Southern Asiatics, to 
sweeten the breath and strength- 
en the stomach. 

Biblio'grapher, a person 
well acquainted with books. 

Big'amy, the crime of second 
marriage, while the first husband 
or wife is living. 

Bile, a fluid of a greenish co- 
lour and viscid consistence, se- 
creted by the liver*. 

Bill, a writing ; a documentf. 

Bil'lion, a million of millions. 

Biog'rap^y, the history of a 
person 1 s life. 

Bis'muth, (Mi.) a brittle metal 



of a reddish or yellowish-white 
colour. It is very hard, but easily 
fusible, and unites with other 
metals, rendering them more fu- 
sible; it is therefore used in 
making solder, printers types, 
and pewter. 

Bit'umen, or Pitch ; a combus- 
tible mineral, which, w r hen most 
fluid, is called naptha; when 
glutinous, petroleum; and when 
hard, asphaltum. 

Bi'valves, a class of shell-fish, 
comprising those which have 
shells of two pieces united by a 
hinge. 

Bla'zonry, the art of de- 
scribing all that belongs to he- 
raldic or armorial bearings. 

Blub'ber, the fat of whales 
and other large fish. 

Bo'^a fide, (L.) real, just, 
and lawful, as when a person has 
performed an action in good faith. 



irregular arch, fifty-three feet broad, and one hundred and seventeen 
feet high ; the interior is two hundred and fifty feet in length. The sides, 
which are straight, are divided into pillars ; and the roof is of a light 
colour, which, when contrasted with the dark colour of the stone itself, 
produces an effect similar to Mosaic work. In general appearance the 
cavern resembles the rich ornaments of some grand Gothic building. 
In fine weather the farther end of the cave can be reached by boats, but 
with the least swell they are liable to be dashed to pieces. 

* Bile. — The liver is the organ that secretes the bile, and is also the 
gland by which this fluid is formed. The use of the bile is the assistance 
which it gives to the digestion of our food. After food has been swal- 
lowed, it is reduced in the stomach to a fluid mass called chyme, which, 
when accumulated, is ejected from thence ; and then, by the action of bile, 
it becomes chyle, and is separated into the nutritious, and excrementous 
parts. The bile also stimulates the intestinal canal, for when there is a 
deficiency of bile, the body is generally costive. 

f Bill. — In Chancery, a Bill is a written declaration cf a grievance 
for which redress is claimed. A Bill of Entry is an account of goods 
delivered at a Custom-house. A Bill of Exchange is a note ordering 
payment of money at a certain time. A Bill of Ladhvj is the receipt of 
the master of a ship, for goods which he has undertaken to deliver at a 
certain place. A Bill of Parcels is an account given by the seller to the 
buyer, of the qualities and quantities of goods sold to him. A Bill of 
Sale is a deed by which one person secures to another possession of cer- 
tain goods for which he has received a consideration. A Bill of Costs 
is an account by a lawyer to a client of his expences and charges. 



IN LITERATURE, SC 

Borax, a mineral salt much 
used in chemical operations. 

Bor'ough, a town, not a city, 
governed by a corporation. 

Bor'otjgh-English, a custom 
by which the youngest son in- 
herits instead of the eldest. 

Bot'any, that science which 
treats of the nature and classifica- 
tion of plants. 

Bot'tomry, (L.) the borrow- 
ing of money on a contingency; 
thus, if a ship returns in safety, 
the money is to be paid with in- 
terest ; if otherwise, it is lost or 
forfeited. 

Bran'dy, a liquor consisting 
of alcoho], water, and resin. 

Brass, an alloy, or mixture, 
of one third zinc, and two-thirds 
copper. 

Bravu'ra, (Mu.) a difficult 
passage reo L uiring a brilliant and 
flashing style of singing. 

Bread, an article of food*. 

Break'water, a fence of 
stone or wood to break the force 
with which the sea enters a har- 
bour. 

Brec'cia, or pudding-stone, 
an aggregate substance formed of 
several varieties of small stones. 

Brest'summer, (bres-sa-mer) 
( Ar. ) the beam over a shop win- 
dow, or the support of a wall. 

Brevet', rank conferred in 
an army, without corresponding 
pay or duty. 



ience, and art. 165 

Bre'viary, the book of the 
daily service of the Church of 
Rome. 

Bri'bery, the crime of giving 
or taking rewards for bad prac- 
tices. 

Bro'ker, an agent appointed 
to transact particular business for 
and between othersf . 

Brim'stone, the common 
name for Sulphur. This mineral 
is chiefly found in the neigh- 
bourhood of volcanoes, or burn- 
ing mountains. 

Bron'chia, (Jbron-Tie-a) (An.) 
the various branches of the tra- 
chea, or windpipe, which convey 
the air to the lungs. 

Bronchot'omy, in surgery, an 
incision made in the windpipe 
to counteract the tendency of cer- 
tain suffocating diseases. 

Bul'bous, of rounded shape, 
as roots with fibres at the base. 

Bude'light, a gas light, with 
the air so directed upon the flame 
as to give more perfect combus- 
tion and increased brilliancy. 

Bul'lion, gold and silver not 
considered as coin. 

Bul'letin, an official ac- 
count of an event of general 
interest. 

Bur'glary, (L.) the crime of 
breaking into an inhabited house 
and stealing, or intending to steal. 

Burlet'ta, a light description 
of comic drama. 



* Bread is usually made of flour and water, and, to render it light, 
yeast, or barm, which is the froth of beer in a state of fermentation, is 
employed. Leaven is sour dough, used instead of yeast. Unleavened bread 
is not fermented. At the feast of the Passover, bread thus prepared is 
eaten by the Jews, as a memorial of the haste in which they left the land 
of Egypt. 

f Exchange Brokers, are those who negotiate the purchase or sale of 
foreign bills of exchange. Insurance Brokers effect insurances on ships 
and merchandize, against the perils to which they are exposed. Stock 
Brokers effect purchases and sales of the public stocks and funds, or in 
the stock or fund of any company or corporation. Pawnbrokers are 
those who lend money at interest upon goods placed in their hands, as a 
security for the return of the loan. 



166 



WORDS OF VARIOUS SYLLABLES, 



Bur's ar, a pupil supported 
upon endowment. 

Bur'sje Muco'svE, (An.) a set 
of small organs whicli secrete a 
fatty fluid for the lubrication of 
joints and tendons. 

c. 

Cadu'ceus, a wand encir- 
cled by serpents, the attribute of 
the heathen god Mercury ; it is 
also an emblem of peace. 

Cadu'cous, (Bo.) falling early 

Caissoon', (kas-soon,) the case 
within which the foundations of 
a bridge are laid; or a chest filled 
with bombs or powder. 

Cairn, a heap of stones, raised 
as a memorial over a grave*. 

Cal'amine, a kind of bitumi- 
nous fossil earth, a mixture cf 
which with copper forms brass. 

Cal'amus, a rush, or reed, 
used anciently as a pen to write 
on parchment, or papyrus. 

Calca'reous, a species of spar, 
or other earthy matter contain- 
ing lime, or formed wholly of it. 

Calcina'tion, the process of 
reducing bodies to a brittle pul- 
verisable condition by the action 
of fire. 

Cal'culus, stones or concre- 
tions found in the body, deposit- 
ed either from the bile or the 
urinary secretion ; it is also ap- 
plied to the higher orders of 
mathematical reasoning. 

Ca'lends, the first day of 
every Eoman month. 

Calefac'tion, the act of heat- 
ing. 

Calig'raphy, fine handwri- 
ting, or the art of penmanship. 

Ca'libre, the interior diame- 



ter of the bore of any piece of 
ordnance. 

Cal'omel, a compound of oxi • 
dised mercury with muriatic acid, 
and much used in medicine. 

Calo'ric, (Ch.) the principle 
or cause of heat as distinguished 
from the sensation. 

Calx, a kind of fine powder, 
which remains of metals, mine- 
rals, &c, after they have lost all 
their humid parts, by the opera- 
tion of fire. 

Cal'yx, (Bo.) the cup, or that 
part of a plant which surrounds 
and supports the other parts of 
the flower. 

Ca'meo, a kind of onyx stone, 
but the term is applied to stones 
having figures raised in relief 
upon the surface. 

Cam'era Lu'cida, an instru- 
ment used for drawing in per- 
spective, and for copying and 
reducing complicated drawings. 
The object is reflected, by a prism, 
on a sheet of paper or other flat 
surface, and is then traced with 
a pencil. 

Cam'era Obscu'ra, a machine 
by which objects reflected through 
a double convex glass are ex- 
hibited on a white space beneath 
the focus of the glass. 

Cam'phor, a resinous gum ex- 
tracted from a tree growing in 
Japan ; it is found in small flakes 
near the centre. 

Canoniza'tion, a process by 
which the Pope enrols deceased 
persons in the canon or catalogue 
of saints. 

Can 'ow Law, ecclesiastical de- 
cisions and rules for regulating 
the church. 



* Cairn. — Similar heaps composed of earth only are called barrows. 
By the Romans they were called tumuli. Some of esch description are 
still to be seen in many parts of Great Britain and Ireland, and in several 
other places. 



IN LITERATURE, SCIENCE, AND ART. 



167 



Canzo'ne, a song in two or 
three parts, or a lyric to which 
music may be composed. Can- 
zonet is a shorter piece of the 
same kind. 

CAOVT'cjio\jc,(Jwwt-chouk,) or 
Indian rubber; a resinous gum 
extracted from a tree growing in 
the Brazils*. 

Ca'per-tree, (Bo.) a shrub, 
growing in the south of Europe, 
the buds of which are pickled. 

Ca'pias, (L.) a Writ for the ar- 
rest of a person. 

Capil'lary, a term applied to 
delicate tubes which have a very 
fine bore. 

Capillary Attraction is the 
power that fluids have of rising 
above their level in fine tubes or 
pipes. By this attraction, water 
is sucked up in sugar, sponge, and 
other porous articles. 

Ca'rat, a weight used in 
weighing diamonds, equivalent 
to four grains. 

Carava'n, a large carriagef . 

Oar'bon, (Ch.) the inflam- 
mable part of any substance; its 
most common form is charcoal, 
which is wood burnt without 
contact with the airj, 

CAR'BONATK,(Ch.)a compound 



formed by the union of car- 
bonic acid with different bases; 
thus are produced carbonate of 
lime, and carbonate of soda. 

Car'buret, (Ch.) a substance 
formed by the combination of car- 
bon with earth, metals, or alkali. 

Ca'ria, (Z.) the intermediate 
link of animals between the 
mouse and rabbit tribes. 

Ca'ries, rottenness of bones. 

Carmin'atives, medicines 
which promote perspiration. 

Carniv'orous, the name giv- 
en to animals that feed on flesh. 

Caro'tid Ar'teries, (An.) 
two arteries in the neck, which 
convey the blood from the heart 
to the brain. 

Carte Blanche, a blank 
form, a phrase to denote uncon- 
ditional or unqualified terms. 

Car'tilage, (An.) gristle, 
harder and drier than a ligament, 
and softer than a bone. 

Cartoon', a design on strong 
paper, preparatory to its being 
drawn on a wall or canvass. 

Cat'a plasm, a synonome for 
a poultice. 

Catalep'sis, a sudden sup- 
pression of motion and sensation. 

Cat'aract, an affection of the 



* Caoutchouc. — The tree from which this is obtained, grows in forests 
to the height of nearly forty feet before it throws out branches ; it then 
rises several feet higher. Its leaves are thick, smooth, and shining, and 
are about six inches long. The gum is at first a milky juice, which is 
extracted from the trunk, in the proportion of about a gill a day, by 
the means of tapping, at suitable seasons of the year. This juice is 
spread over lumps of clay, moulded into various forms, and is gradually 
dried in the sun, or in the smoke of fuel. It is soft and elastic, and 
resists the action of water, in consequence of which it is used for a great 
number of articles which require to be waterproof. For this latter purpose 
it is dissolved in naptha, or purified coal tar, and applied as a coating 
to different kinds of cloth. It has of late years become a very important 
article of commerce. 

f A Caravan is also a travelling body of merchants or pilgrims, who join 
in company for the purposes of convenience or safety. In the East 
Caravans have both a commercial and a religious character. They are 
regularly organized by the government, and are placed under the direction 



168 WORDS OF VARIOUS SYLLABLES, 

crystalline humour of the eye: 
a waterfall. 

Catarrh', a defluxion from the 
nose, throat, or windpipe, con- 



stituting one common symptom 
of the complaint termed a cold. 

Catas'trophe, the close of 
any event or course of events, 



of officers of rank, who are careful to maintain good order. The Hadji, 
^-^ or Pilgrim Caravans, proceed annually to 

^^_^^fe Mecca, not merely for the purposes of trade, 

3SBRl8BfS=^ ^ m ^ or Performing certain devotions at the 

-___;___ tomb of their prophet Mahomet, a duty 

.z. _ ~ which his followers feel bound to perform 

- "-- -v at least once during their lives. The cara- 

- =-'- - vans consist of from fifteen to twenty thou- 
„„ - S- - < ' / sand camels, and forty-five thousand to sixty 

^x : ~^:'<'-'^f- thousand men. They set out from Constan- 

tinople, and collect pilgrims and traders all 
through Anatolia and Syria. The armed 
forces of different local governors escort 



^ 




them from town to town ; and inns, 
and fountains of pure water, are pro- 
vided by the road- sides. \Vhen the 
caravan arrives at Damascus, it is under 
the protection of the Pasha, who derives 
both honor and profit from the charge. 
After remaining at this city for nearly 
a month, and changing the camels, the 
caravan proceeds on a thirty days' jour- 
ney across the desert, with the Pasha, 
or one of his chief officers, at its head. 
As the plundering Arabs are always on 
the look out, it is guarded in the front and rear by troops of horse. The 
travellers are furnished with animals, tents, and servants, and needful 
provision, by men who take upon them all the trouble and expense for a 
given sum. When the Caravan arrives at Mecca, bringing with it 
goods from many parts of the world, that city presents the appearance of 
a vast fair. 

% Carbon, in its purest chrystallized state is known as the diamond. 
Ivory black is the carbon of bones, lamp black of oil, and soot is the 
carbon of coals. It is also found, though in a less pure state, in vege- 
table, animal, and even mineral bodies. Y>'hen carbon combines with 







IN LITERATURE, SCIENCE, AND ART. 



169 



Cat'gut, a strong kind of 
string made from the membranes 
of animals, used chiefly for musi- 
cal instruments. 

Caulk'ing, the driving oakum 
into the seams of a ship, and after- 
wards saturating them with melt- 
ed pitch or resin. 

Caus'tic, any burning appli- 
cation. 

Causa'tion, the action or 
power of a cause in producing 
its effect. 

Ca'veat, (L.) a process for 
staying a proceeding until fur- 
ther enquiry is made*. 

Cavia're, sturgeon-roes, salt- 
ed and preserved as a condiment. 

Cel'lular, (An.) consisting 
of little cells or cavities. 

Cel'lular Membrane,(Ah.) 
the integument which connects 
the various parts of the body. 

Cem'etery, a place where the 
remains of the dead are deposited. 

Cent'aur, a poetical fiction, 
a figure supposed to be com- 
pounded of a man and a horse. 

Catop'trics, that part of op- 
tics which explains the properties 
of reflected light. 

Cen'tipede, an insect said to 
have a hundred feet. 



Centrif'ugal, the tendency 
with which bodies, restrained in 
circular motion, endeavour to 
move in a straight line. 

Centrip'etal, the tendency 
of bodies to move towards the 
centre of motion. 

CENTu'aiON,an officer of Ko- 
man infantry, who commanded a 
century, or one hundred men. 

CE'RATE,an ointment composed 
of wax combined with oil. 

CEREBEL'LUM,(An.) that part 
of the brain in the back of the 
skull, an injury to which causes 
the power of volition to cease. 

Cer'ebrum, (An.) that part of 
the brain which occupies the 
front and top of the skull, the 
removal or injury of which de- 
prives the animal of sensation. 

Cere'ment, cloths dipped in 
melted wax, with which dead 
bodies are enfolded. 

Certiorari, (cer-shi-o-ra-re) 
(L.) a writ or precept, issued by 
a superior court, to bring up the 
records of a cause from an infe- 
rior one, in order that it may be 
more carefully investigated. 

Ceta'ceous, a class of fishes 
of the whale kind, which retain 
their heat in the water, and are 



oxygen, two gases are produced, one called carbonic acid gas ; and the 
other, containing less oxygen, the oxyde of carbon. When Carbon com- 
bines with hydrogen, it forms carburetted hydrogen gas, used in gas 
lights. Carbonic acid is an elastic fluid, much heavier than atmospheric 
air, and will neither support animal life nor combustion. This gas is gene- 
rated by decayed vegetables in the process of fermentation, and is injurious, 
and sometimes destructive to persons who inhale it. When accumulated 
in mines, wells, or very confined rooms, it is commonly called foul air. A 
fearful example of its effects occurred at Barclay and Perkins's brewery. 
A large vat of strong ale having been emptied, two men went to cleanse 
it before the carbonic acid gas, produced by the fermentation of the ale, 
had sufficiently escaped ; they instantly fell senseless, and died in a 
few minutes. Had time been allowed for a due portion of oxygen to 
enter, these effects would have been counteracted ; or had they let down a 
lighted candle into the vat, the candle would have been extinguished, and 
thus the danger would have been made apparent. 

I 



170 



WORDS OF VARIOUS SYLLABLES, 



surroundedby a thick coat of fat 

or blubber. [alike. 

Cet'eris Pa'ribus, other things 

Chalk, carbonate of lime*. 

Chalyb'eate, (ka-lyh-e-ate) 

water impregnated with iron or 

steel. 

Chamomile, (kam-o-mile) a 
plant of bitter taste, but having 
many medicinal virtues. 

Charyb'dis, a whirlpool at 
the entrance of the Sicilian 
straits, formerly an object of great 
terror, and in avoiding which 
mariners were in danger of run- 
ning upon the rock Scylla. The 
terms are now employed figura- 
tively, to describe circumstances 
of perplexity and danger. 

Ciiar'ter, a written record 
of things done between parties, 
or of privileges granted. 

Chef-d'ceu'vre, (shay-doo- 
ver) amaster-piece,or chief work. 

Chem'istry, (kem-is-iry) the 
science which investigates the na- 
ture of material substances, and 
their composition and properties, 



together with the changes they 
undergo. [angels. 

Cher'ubtm, a superior order of 
Chevali'er, a horseman arm- 
ed at all points ; a gallant young 
man. 

Chica'nery, mean and un- 
fair artifices to pervert, to per- 
plex, and to obscure the truth. 

CHIL ; TERNHuNDREDS,Certam 

Crown lands, the acceptance of 
the stewardship of which enables 
a member of the House of Com- 
mons to vacate his seat. No pay 
is attached to the office. 

Chime'ra, (ki-me-ra) a vain 
and idle fancy. 

(Jhirog'raphy, (kirog-ra-fe) 
the art of writing. 

Chi'romancy, (kiro-man-ce) 
a trick by which artful people 
pretend to know a person's dis- 
position from the lines and marks 
in the hand.. 

Chlo'kine, (Ch.) an elastic 
gaseous fluid, procured from mu- 
riatic acid, by oxyde of manga- 
nesef . 



* Chalk — is a species of mineral formation, containing the relics of 
marine organized bodies, and also the hard parts of amphibious and land 
animals. The chalk hills in England are of greater extent than in any 
other country ; they run nearly from east to west, parallel to each other, 
though separated by ranges of sand-stone, and low tracts of gravel and 
clay. The loftiest commences at Flamborough-head, in Yorkshire, and 
proceeds westward for nearly twenty miles. Two ridges traverse the 
midland counties, and reach as far east as the borders of Oxfordshire : in 
Bedfordshire they approach near to each other. South of the Thames there 
are two ridges, one commencing at the North and South Foreland, passing- 
through the north of Kent, the middle of Surrey, and the north of Hamp- 
shire, including the North Downs of Banstead and Epsom; the other 
commencing near Hastings, at Beachy Head, passes through the south 
of Hampshire into Dorsetshire, including the South Downs. The more 
compact kinds of chalk are used as building stone, or are burnt to lime : 
it is employed in making whitening, in polishing metals and glass, for 
constructing moulds, and for what is called whitewashing. It is an 
excellent manure for sandy soils, as it exterminates the corn marigold, 
or ox-eye, which abounds in such soils. 

f Chlorine. — This powerful gas is made available for manufacturing 
purposes, in consequence of its readily combining with water and lime. 
The lime, when powdered, is made to absorb the gas, after which it can be 



IN LITERATURE, SCIENCE, AND ART. 



171 



Cho'colate, a composition 
made from the kernels of cocoa, 
beaten up with sugar and cinna- 
mon, into a paste. 

Chol'era, (kol-e-ra) a disease 
which acts powerfully on the 
bowels. 

Chord, (kord) (Mu.) the union 
of two or more sounds. In Ge- 
ometry, a right line connecting 
the extremes of an arc. 

Choreg'raphy, (ko-reg-ra-fe) 
the art of representing dancing 
by signs, as singing by notes. 

Chorog'raphy (lio-rog-ra-fe) 
the art of describing particular 
regions and countries, either in 
words or on maps. Its object is 
more confined than that of geo- 
graphy, and more extensive than 
that of topography. 

Chrism, (krism) in the Ro- 
mish and Greek churches, the oil 
used in the anointing of children. 

Chris'olite, (Mi.) a gem of 
the garnet kind ; it was the topaz 
of the Ancients. 

Chromat'ic, relating to colour; 
also to a certain species of ancient 
music. 

Chromat'ics, that part of op- 
tics which explains the several 
properties of light and colour. 



Chron'ic, a term applied to 
anything that has been of long 
duration. 

CHRONOL'oGY,the science which 
determines the dates of events 
and the civil distinctions of time. 

Chronom'eter, a superior 
watch for determining geogra- 
phical longitudes. 

Chrys'alis, the second state 
of an insect, into which it passes 
from the caterpillar or reptile 
form, previous to its becoming a 
butterfly or moth. 

Chyme, (kyme) (Ph.) a soft 
pulp into which the food is con- 
verted after its introduction into 
the stomach*. 

Cit'rtc Acid, the sour property 
in the juice of lemons or limes ; 
generally preserved in the form 
of crystals. [purities, 

Clar'ify, to cleanse from im- 

Cimme'rian, dark, gloomyf . 

Cin'jvabar, an ore of quick- 
silver, very heavy, of a red colour. 

Ctn'namon, a pleasant aro- 
matic, the bark of a tree. % 

Circe'an, a power to fascinate 
or enchant. 

Cir'cus, a round open space 
for the exhibition of horse-racing 
and other games. 



packed in a dry form, and is called chloride of lime, or bleaching powder. 
When this is immersed in water, it dissolves, and the water becomes im- 
pregnated with the chlorine, and forms bleaching liquid. By the proper 
application of this, linens and other articles become whitened as effectu- 
ally in the course of a few hours, as they were, by the old process, in six 
or eight months. It has the curious and important power of destroying 
the colour of animal and vegetable matter, and that so completely, that 
nothing can reproduce the colour it has removed. It is also valuable 
as a remedy for infection, or a vitiated atmosphere. - 

* Chyle — consists of the finer and more nutritious parts of chyme ; it 
is a white milky fluid, and is received into the lacteal vessels, where it is 
assimilated to the blood, and converted into nutriment. 

f Cimmerian. — This term is derived from a town that in past ages 
stood at the mouth of the Black Sea, which the ancients pretended 
was involved in darkness. 

% Cinnamon. — This tree is a species of bay, and is a native of Ceylon. 
Its leaves resemble those of the olive, and the fruit resembles the olive or 
acorn ; but it is the bark alone which is used as spice. 



^■na 



172 



WORDS OF VARIOUS SYLLABLES, 



Cita'tion, (L.) a summons to 
appear before an ecclesiastical 
judge. 

Ou'ron, a large species of 
lemon. 

Civ'il, relating to trie com- 
munity as a body, or to its policy 
and government; an epithet 
shewing the distinction between 
affairs criminal, military, and 
ecclesiastical. 

Civil'iajnt, a doctor or profes- 
sor of civil law, and equity. 

Clav'icle, (An.) the scientific 
name for the shoulder-blade. 

Clef (Mu.), a mark which 
determines the name of each 
line, according to the key in 
which it is to begin. 

Climac'teric, is a critical year, 
or period, in a person's life. The 
most important is supposed to be 
the 63rd year, but the 81st is the 
grand climacteric. 

Cli'max, gradation, ascent; a 
figure in rhetoric by which the 
sentence gradually rises till the 



affirmation is completed by some 
unanswerable argument. 

Clin'ical, (Med.) pertaining 
to a bed ; thus, a clinical lecture 
is a discourse founded on a phy- 
sician's observation of diseases by 
the bed-side of his patients. 

Clois'ter, a religious retire- 
ment : (Ar.) the covered galleries 
or porticoes round the inner area 
of a monastery. 

Clouds, a collection . of va- 
pours suspended in the atmos- 
phere.* 

Clove, an Indian spice; the 
dried flower of the buds of the 
clove tree. 

Coal, (Mi.) a solid inflam- 
mable substancef . [into a jelly. 

Coag'ulate, to change a liquid 

Co'balt, (Mi.) a semi-metal, 
nearly resembling fine hardened 
steel. It is principally used to 
give a permanent blue colour to 
glass, and to enamels on metals, 
porcelain, and earthenware. 

Co'coa Nut, the fruit of the 
cocoa tree!. 



* Clouds — are condensed vapours, which, when too dense to rise higher 
in the atmosphere, accumulate and float at a level in which their weight 
and that of the atmosphere are equal. When the balance is destroyed 
by the collision of clouds, or by a cold stratum of air, they fall in rain. Mas- 
sive lound clouds are called cumulus ; flat loDg clouds, cirro stratus ; feathery 
or hairy clouds are called cirrus ; and when the cirro stratus intersects the 
cumulus, the combination is called nimbus, from its producing rain. 
Clouds serve to shield the earth from the scorching rays of the sun. 
In the operations of the electric fluid, clouds have a principal share, and 
they particularly serve as a medium for conveying that subtile matter 
from the atmosphere to the earth, and from the earth to the atmosphere. 

f Coal — is a kind of bitumen, the difference being, that coal is of 
vegetable origin, and bitumen a kind of animal and vegetable substance. 
It forms in the earth, in masses at various depths, and is supposed 
to have thus accumulated at some change in the earth's surface, by the 
deposit of vegetable matter, which has become petrified. The principal 
mines are those of Newcastle and Whitehaven. At Whitehaven the mines 
are seven or eight hundred feet in depth, and the galleries excavated 
extend under the sea, where the water is deep enough to float very large 
ships. 

% Cocoa. — This plant is found in most tropical climates. It establishes 
itself within reach of salt water, especially upon reefs and sand-banks, 



IN LITERATURE, SCIENCE, AND ART. 



173 



Coch'ineal, the drug from I 
which red colour, and especially | 
carmine, is produced; it is the ! 
body of an insect found in South | 
America.* 

Cock'et, a warrant certifying | 
that the duties on goods have been I 
paid. 

Coc'ulus In'dicus, a poison- 
ous Indian berry; often un- | 
lawfully used to adulterate malt 
liquors. 



Cod'icil, (L.) a supplement to 
a will, to alter or explain some • 
thing contained in the testament. 

Cof'fee, a plant, from the ber- 
ries of which is extracted a well- 
known beverage.* 

Cof'per Dam, a bank made of 
piles and clay in the middle of a 
stream, to keep the water from 
the spot where the foundation of 
a bridge is to be laid. 

Cogno'vit, (L.) adocument by 



as soon as they emerge from the ocean. It rises like a slender column 
to the height of from sixty to ninety feet Twelve or more leaves, 

each about fourteen feet long, 
crown the summit, and appear 
like a gigantic plume of ostrich 
feathers. In wet seasons the tree 
blossoms every five or six weeks, 
so that fresh flowers and ripe nuts 
may be seen at the same time ; in 
good soils it yields nearly 100 
nuts annually. The uses to which 
this tree is applied are surprising ; 
the roots are chewed — the trunk 
serves for posts — the young buds 
are an agreeable esculent — the 
leaves form excellent thatch — or 
when burned, yield potash in 
abundance. — From the juice of 
the stem, a wine and spirit are 
prepared— a farinaceous matter 
within the stem is used as a 
substitute for sago — and a sugar 
is obtained from the sap. The 
ripe fruit is a wholesome food, 
and its milk a cooling beverage, 
which together form sometimes 
the principal subsistence of the 
poorer Indians. Of the shells 
drinking cups are made, and ' 
the white solid matter within them yield excellent oil. The very husks 
are sometimes converted into cordage, matting, and mattrasses, and 
when useless for these purposes they serve for fuel. The article called 
Cocoa is, more properly Cacao. It is prepared from the seeds of the 
Theobromu, a tree which flourishes in the West India Islands, the Bra- 
zils, and other warm climates. The seeds are oval, nearly an inch long, 
covered with a grayish skin. The kernels are dried, and bruised to 
powder. Boiled in water, and taken with sugar and milk, it furnishes 
a pleasant and nutrition s beverage. 

* Cochineal. — This insect is found chiefly on the Indian fig. tree. It 
is of an oval form, about the size of a small pea. When the female 




174 



WORDS OF VARIOUS SYLLABLES, 



which the defendant to a suit 
admits the judgment against him. 

Co 'heir, a joint heir with 
another. 

Coke, burnt coal from which 
the gas has been extracted. 

Colojvwa'de, a series of co- 
lumns disposed in a circle; a 
piazza. 

Co'ma, (Ph.) a kind of le- 
thargy, or sleepy disease, wherein 
a person has a strong propensity 
to drowsiness. 

Com'atose, lethargic, sleepy ; 
or affected with a coma, [gether. 

Combina'tiOjNT, a blending to- 

Combus'tion, (Ch.) a term 
which denotes the decomposition 
of certain substances accompani- 
ed by light and heat. The pro- 
cess of burning. 

Com' ex, ( As. ) an opaque spher- 
ical body like a planetf . 

Commend'am, a term of the 
canon law, applying to a person 
who discharges the spiritual du- 
ties of a vacant benefice for a 
time, without receiving the profits. 

Com'mon Law, that law which 



has been established on an imme- 
morial usage or custom, in dis- 
tinction from the written or sta- 
tute law. 

Commuta'tion,(L.) thechange 
of a penalty or punishment from 
a greater to a less. [subject. 

Cow amor'e, with love of a 
Co .n 'cave, the hollow or inner 
surface of an arch or ball ; op- 
posed to convex, which is the 
outer surface. 

Concen'tric, having one com- 
mon centre,as opposed to eccentric. 
Conchol'ogy, (kongk-ol-o-gy) 
the science or natural history of 
testaceous animals, such as have 
a covering of shell. 

Concordance, a dictionary 
of any book, in which every 
word is given in reference to the 
book, chapter, verse, or page, in 
which it occurs. 

Concor'dax, a covenant or 
agreement with the Pope con- 
cerning ecclesiastical affairs. 

Con'cretf, a mixing together 
and condensing of different sub- 
stances and principles. 



arrives at its full size, it fixes itself to the surface of the leaf, and wraps 
itself up in a white cottony matter. At a suitable time the insects are col- 
lected from the plants into an iron pot, and are killed by the fumes of heated 
vinegar, or smoke. "When thoroughly dried, they are packed for use. 
When it is wished to extract the colour, they are reduced to powder, and 
prepared by various methods. 

* Coffee. — This shrub is an evergreen, varying in height from twelve 
to fifteen feet ; it gro ws in various warm climates, but Arabia is said to supply 
the best. Its flavour resembles the jasmine; the fruit appears like a cherry 
when ripe ; in the centre of which, enclosed in a tbin membrane, lies 
the bean, but easily separable into two halves. It bears two or three 
times in the year, and it is quite common to see fruit and flowers on 
the same tree; but the first produced is reckoned the best. 

f A Comet — is accompanied with a train of light, and its revolution 
round the sun is eccentric. It is divided into the nucleus or dense part ; 
the head; the coma, a faint light surrounding the head; and the tail, winch 
is the long tram of light by which these bodies are distinguished. When 
a comet is westward of the sun, and rises or sets before it, the light appears 
like a train beginning at the body of the comet ; and when the sun and 
comet are exactly opposite each other, the earth being between them, the 
vapour appears to surround it like a fringe or border of hair. 



INT LITERATURE, SCIENCE, AND ART. 



175 



Condensing Pump, a ma- 
chine in which a volume of air 
may be reduced into a much 
smaller space. 

Con'diment, seasoning, sauce. 

Con'duit, (kundit) a canal, 
or pipe, used for the conveyance 
of water from a distant reservoir, 
or spring-head. 

Confluence, a union of two 
or more streams or rivers; the 
act of coming in great numbers 
to one place. 

Con'gress, an assembly of 
various parties who meet to con- 
coct measures for the community. 

Consanguinity, relation by 
blood, in distinction from relation 
by marriage, which is called 
affinity. 

Consignment, the act of 
making over merchandise by one 
to another. 

Constella'ti^n, (As.) an as- 
or cluster of stars, 
under the figure of 
some animal or other object. 

Constitution, a system, or 
form of government. * 

Conta'gion, that subtile prin- 
ciple by which disease is com- 
municated from one person or 
place to another. 

Contingent, that which may 
or may not take place. 



Continuity, uninterrupted 
succession. 

Con'tumacy, (L.) wilful con- 
tempt of a lawful summons ; ob- 
stinacy. 

Contravella'tion, a fortifica- 
tion raised round a fortress by a 
besieging army, as a protection 
from irruptions by the besieged. 

Convky'ance, (L.)a deed by 
which property is conveyed from 
one person to another. 

Connoisseur', (kon-nes-seur) 
a critic or judge in the arts. 

Co'pal, a resinous gum obtained 
from a tree in South America. 

Cop'per, a metal found in 
various parts of the world. It 
is sometimes obtained in little 
masses, but mostly in a state of 
ore. When mixed with tin, it 
forms bell metal; with a less 
quantity of tin, bronze for statues. 

Cop'yhold, (L.) land held un- 
der the custom of a manor, by 
copies of court rolls. 

Cor'don, a line or series of 
military posts. 

Cork, the soft elastic bark of 
a kind of oak growing in Spain 
and Portugal. 

CoRNUCo'piiE, a large horn, 
introduced in sculpture and paint- 
ings, filledwith flowers and fruits f . 
Corporation, a body politic^. 



* Constitutions — are either democratic, aristocratic, or of a mixed 
character. Constitution also signifies any particular law, decree, or ordi- 
nance framed by a superior ; as, the constitutions of Justinian. In medical 
language it signifies the temperament of the whole body; thus we say, a 
robust, or a feeble constitution. 

f Cornucopia. — The use of this horn arose from a Greek fable, to the 
effect, that in Lybia there v. as a fruitful little territory in shape somewhat like 
a bullock's horn, which Ammon the king gave to his daughter. Poets and 
painters employ it as emblematic of abundance and happiness, — hence its 
present appellation, " the horn of plenty." 

X Corporations have a common seal, with one head officer or more, and 
are able, by common consent, to grant or receive any thing within the com- 
pass of their charters, and to sue and be sued as one man. Corporations 
are Spiritual, as bishops, deans, archdeacons, rectors, vicars ; Tempo- 



176 



WORDS OF VARIOUS SYLLABLES, 



Corol'lary, a clear inference. 

Cor'puscle, (Ph.) a minute 
particle, or physical atom. A 
constituent of animal bodies. 

Cor'ridqr, (Ar.) a gallery, or 
long aisle, round a building, lead- 
ing to several chambers at a dis- 
tance from each other. 

Cosmet'ic, a preparation used 
for heightening beauty. 

Cosmog'raphy, a description 
of the universe. 

Cot'ton, a soft downy sub- 
stance, resembling fine wool, from 
which large quantities of cloth 
are made*. 

Coun'terscarp, the side of a 
fortified trench next the camp. 

Court ba'ron, (L.) a court 
held by the lord of a manor, 
where duties and customs are 
received, and estates and surren- 
ders are passed. 

Court leet, (L.) a court of 
record belonging to a hundred, 
instituted for the purpose of pre- 
venting encroachments, nuisan- 
ces, and other offences. 

Cov'bnant, (L.) the agree- 
ment of two or more, by a deed 
in writing, sealed and delivered. 
. CRANiOL'oGY,the science which 
investigates character, or passion, 
by the formation of the head. 

Crepus'culum, the twilight 



which begins and ends when the 
sun is 18 degrees below the ho- 
rizon, of notes. 

Crescen'do (Mu.), a swelling 

Creta'ceous, having the qual- 
ity of chalk. 

Crom'lech, (krom-lek) a pile 
of stones set up by the Druids 
for superstitious purposes, like 
that at Stonehenge. 

C ru 'c i ble, a melting-pot, made 
of clay, which will endure the 
most intense fire. 

Crusta'cea, (krus-ta-she-a) 
those fish whose shells are in 
joints, as the crab, lobster, &c. ; 
these are generally softer than 
the shells of the testaceous fish, 
which consist of single pieces, 
as oysters, cockles, &c. 

Crys'tal, (Mi.) a hard, trans- 
parent species of stone glass. 
Crystals, in chemistry, express 
salt, or other matter, that is con- 
gealed like crystal. 

Cube, a solid body, consisting 
of six equal square sides. In 
Arithmetic, a number arising 
from the multiplication of a 
square number by its root. 

Culmination, (A.s.) the tran- 
sit or passage of a star over the 
meridian, or that point of its or- 
bit wherein it is at its greatest 
altitude. 



ral, as mayor, commonalty, bailiff, burgesses : some are of a mixed 
nature, and are composed of temporal and spiritual persons, such as heads 
of colleges and hospitals. 

* Cotton. — This valuable commodity is the produce of a small bush 
growing in warm climates. The seed is sown in rich and well pre- 
pared soil, immediately after the periodical rains. It ripens in May or 
June, when the numerous pods, which are about the size of chestnuts, 
break and display their downy contents. These are picked, and after the 
husks have been separated, the cotton is put into a small mill, for the 
purpose of forcing out the seeds which are enclosed in the little balls of 
down. The cotton is then packed up, and it is so elastic, that by means 
of strong screws it can be pressed into a fiftieth part of the space into 
which it could be reduced by mere personal exertion. The quantity grown 
is amazing ; in England alone the cotton manufactories employ many 
millions of capital, and many thousands of workmen. 



IN LITERATURE, SCIENCE, AND ART. 



177 



Cu'pola, (Ar.) a roof or vault 
rising in a circular form, called 
also the dome. 

Cus'tos rotulo'rum, the 
keeper of the rolls and records of 
the Court of Sessions, generally 
the lord lieutenant of the county. 

Cuta'neous, a disease or af- 
fection belonging to the skin. 

Cyl'inder, an oblong circular 
solid ; the cylinder of engineers 
is a long hollow tube. 

D 

Da ca'po, (Mu.) to repeat a 
strain. 

Dac'tyl, a poetic foot or divi- 
sion of a line, consisting of a long 
syllable and two short ones. 

DAGUERRE'oTYPE^tfa^r-^ra-re-O- 

type) a system of taking represen- 
tations of objects by the sun's 
rays, so called from M. Daguerre, 
the inventor*. 

Dam'ask, silk or linen with 
raised patterns. 

Damps, fluids generated ; the 
choke damp in mines mostly con- 
sists of carbonic acid gas, and fire 
damps of hydrogen gas. 

Dap'pled, variegated with 
spots of different colours. 

Da'tum, or Data, a settled or 
determined point, or points, from 
which any calculation is made. 



Dead lights, wooden shutters, 
to enclose the cabin windows of 
a ship when the sea runs high. 

Death watch, a small, harm- 
less insect, the noise of which is 
ignorantly considered as ominous 
of death. 

Deben'ture, a certificate 
which entitles a merchant export- 
ing goods to a drawback of 
duties; also, a note by which a 
debt is claimed. 

Debris', (dabree) ruins or 
rubbish ; applied chiefly to the 
crumblings of rocks. 

Dec'ade the number of ten, as 
ten years, or ten days. 

Dec'agon, a figure with ten 
equal sides and angles. 

Decam'eron, a work containing 
the action of ten days. 

Decem'virate, the dignity 
and office often governors. 
j Decid'uotjs, (Bo.) falling an- 
! nually, as leaves do in autumn. 
I Declaration, (L.)a statement 
! of the plaintiffs complaint against 
the defendant. 

Decoc'tion, a boiling so as to 
draw the strength or virtue out 
of anything. 

Decomposition, (Ch.) the se- 
paration of the elementary atoms 
of bodies. 



* Daguerreotype. — By this process, portraits, views, and other objects 
are taken with the strictest accuracy, it being, in fact, a reflection from the 
objects themselves when illuminated by a strong solar light. To effect 
this, a sheet of copper, plated with silver, is made bright, and placed in 
a well closed box, where it is exposed to the vapour of iodine, till it 
becomes of a slightly yellow colour ; the plate is then withdrawn, and 
placed in another box and carefully preserved from the action of light 
till the proposed object is to be represented. When that time has arrived, 
the plate is placed in a sort of camera with the lens exactly opposite 
the object. Upon the light being admitted, the object is, in a few 
seconds, faintly delineated on the plate ; to bring the subject out strongly, 
the plate is acted upon in another box by the vapour of mercury. After 
this process, the plate is first washed with the hypo-sulphate of soda, then 
with warm water ; this being done, the picture is clear, and unalterable 
by the further action of light. 

I 2 



178 



WORDS OF VARIOUS SYLLABLES, 



Decree', (L.) the judgment of 
a court of equity on any bill 
preferred. 

Dec'rements, the small parts 
by which a decreasing quan- 
tity becomes less and less. 

De crescen'do, (Mu.) gradu- 
ally decreasing the sound. 

Decripita'tion, (Ch.) flying 
off, like salt, with a crackling 
noise when heat is applied. 

Deduct'ion, an action of the 
reasoning power, by which con- 
sequences are drawn from certain 
principles. In arithmetic, that 
which is taken away from any 
previous number. 

Deed, (L.) a contract or bar- 
gain between party and party; 
but to secure its validity, it must 
be signed, sealed, and delivered. 

De Fac'to, a thing actually 
done. [omission. 

Default', (L.) neglect or 

Defeas'ance, (L.) the act of 
annulling or abrogating any con- 
tract or stipulation. 

Defend' a nt, (L.) the party 
summoned or accused. 

Definition, a description of 
a thing by its peculiar properties. 

Deflec'tion, turning aside 
from a right line. 



Degluti'tion, the act or power 
of swallowing. 

Degree', quality, rank, state 
or condition of any thing ; mea- 
sure ; proportion, or quantity*. 

De Ju're, of right. 

De'odand, a forfeiture to go- 
vernment, or a fine for accident- 
ally causing the death of any 
person. 

Delen'da, things to be erased 
or blotted out. 

Deli'quium, (Ch.) the natural 
dissolution or melting of a salt, 
when placed in a moist situation. 

Demise',(L.) to grant at one's 
death. 

Democ'racy, a government 
in which the people hold the power 
collectively. 

DEMONOL'oGY,a treatise on evil 
spirits 

Demul'cents, drugs which 
soothe, or mollify. 

Demur 'rer, (L.) a pause for 
the consideration of a difficult 
point in an action. 

DENA'Rius,theRoman penny ; 
a silver coin equivalent to from 
sixpence to eightpence sterling. 

Den'izen, (L.) an alien en- 
franchised, and. made a subject 
by royal letters patent. 



* Degree. — In natural philosophy it is a greater or less intenseness of 
heat. This may be ascertained by means of a Thermometer, or heat 
measurer, which is divided into a certain number of degrees. The 
degree of cold at which water freezes is the commencement ; but 
as we endure cold much more intense than this, the comparison 
extends to thirty-two degrees below the freezing point. The general 
temperature of a summer's day, in our climate, is about 70 degrees above 
the freezing point; in hot climates the temperature is 100 degrees, and, 
under peculiar circumstances, it has risen to 120 degrees. The heat of 
the human blood is about 95 degrees. Tallow becomes a liquid at 130 
degrees. Tin becomes a liquid at 450 degrees ; Lead, 686 ; Zinc, 648 ; 
Brass, 1,869 ; Silver, 2,233 ; Copper, 2,548 ; Gold, 2,590 ; Cast Iron, 3,479. 
— In Geometry, a degree is the three hundred and sixtieth part of the cir- 
cumference of a circle. — In Mathematics it is the division of the lines 
upon several sorts of instruments. — In Universities it is a dignity conferred 
upon those who have performed certain exercises required by the statute. 



IN LITERATURE, SCIENCE, AND ART. 



179 



Be no'vo, new from the be- 
ginning. 

Denouement', (da-noo-mong) 
a finishing or winding up. 

Denuda'tion, (Geo.) the act 
of washing away the surface of 
the earth, by which the lower 
strata are partially exposed. 

Den'tal, of, or belonging to, 
the teeth. 

Denta'ted, tooth-like. 

Den'trifice, a preparation for 
cleansing the teeth. 

Deposition, (L.) a public tes- 
timony: (Ch.) the settlement of 
substances dissolved in fluids. 

De'relicts, (L.) such goods 
as are relinquished by the owner. 
Land which the sea has left is 
called derelict; land and ships 
forsaken at sea, are derelict 
ships. 



Des'uetude, cessation of the 
use, or discontinuance of any 
practice. 

Det'inue, (L.) a writ, or 
action, that lies against any one 
who has had goods delivered to 
him to keep, and who refuses to 
give them up. 

Det'onating Powder, a 
composition which may be in- 
flamed by the heat generated by 
pressure. [desired. 

Desidera'tum, a thing to be 

Dermes'tes, insects which 
feed on leather, and are destruc- 
tive of the binding of books. 

Dew, extremely fine particles 
of water floating in the atmos- 
phere, and condensed by its cool- 
ness. 

Dinothe'rium, a huge animal 
now extinct*. 



*Dinotherium, — or gigantic Tapir. Fossil remains of the bones of this 
extraordinary animal have been found in various quarters of the globe, 
-.-.- .> , , ..... , the examination of 

which has led the 
learned to suppose 
that it resided part- 
ly in the water and 
partlyupon marshy 
land, and that it 
fed chiefly, if not 
entirely, upon veg- 
etable substances. 
The skull appears 
to have been more 
than a yard in 
length, beside a 
trunk resembling 
that of the ele- 
phant. The lower 
jaw measured four 
feet, and was arm- 
ed with two enor- 
mous tusks, which might serve as weapons of offence, or for tearing up 
vegetables from their watery bed, or for dragging its unwieldly body 
partially out of the water. The whole length of the animal is supposed to 
have been about eighteen feet, and its limbs large and massy in propor- 
tion, though there seems to be some doubt as to whether it had hinder 
legs. The prevailing opinion is, that their place was supplied by a sort 
of paddle, to guide the unwieldly creature in its course through the water. 




180 



WORDS OF VARIOUS SYLLABLES, 



Dex'ter, the right, or on the 
right hand or side ; as the dexter 
point in heraldry. 

Diagnostic, a symptom by 
which a particular disease is 
distinguished. 

Diag'onal, a line drawn to 
the opposite corners of a square, 
or right lined figures. [soning. 

Dialec'tic, the art of rea- 

DiAM ; ETER,the line which pass- 
es through the centre of a circle 
and divides it into two equal parts. 

Di'amond, a precious stone, 
the hardest, most brilliant, and 
most valuable of all bodies. 
It is found in Brazil, in Gol- 
conda, and Borneo. 

Diapa'son, (Mu.) an octave 
in music, a concord. 

Dib'bling, planting the seed 
of wheat instead of casting it 
with the hand. 

Dies Non, (L.) days on which 
judges do not sit. 

Dic'tum, a saying, proverb, 
or assertion: (L.) any casual 
or extra judicial opinion delivered 
by a judge. 

Dietet'ics, the science which 
has reference to the arrangement 
of the diet. 

DlEU' ET MON DROIT, (deu-d- 

mon drwau,) God and my right; 
the motto first assumed by 
Richard the 1st. 



Diges'tion, that action of the 
stomach by which food is con- 
verted into chyme, before it passes 
into the intestines. 

Dilapidation, (L.) the da- 
mage which accrues to a house in 
consequence of neglect of repairs. 

Dilettan'ti, those who de- 
light in promoting science and 
the fine arts. 

Dilu'vium, a collection of re- 
mains of rocks and strata of gravel, 
deposited chiefly by water. 

Diora'ma, a Greek word signi- 
fying, to see through. When paint- 
ings are exhibited under this name, 
they have a shifting light from 
above, so as to produce the effects 
of distance and change of time 
and season. 

Dispen'sary, a place where 
medicines are dispensed. 

Dispen'satory, an authorised 
collection of receipts, by which 
medicines may be compounded. 

Diuret'ics, medicines which 
promote the urinary secretion. 

Divina'tion, a pretence of fore- 
telling things to come. 

Distilla'tion, a process of 
separating or drawing off a fluid, 
by converting into vapour the 
particles of a mashed body, and 
afterwards condensing the vapour 
by cold. 

Douceur', a present or bribe 



* Distillation — is the act of separating various elements by the 
operation of heat. The substance containing the property to be separated 
is put, with a certain portion of water, into a vessel capable of resisting 
the action of heat, and having a neck which communicates with another 
vessel. When heat is applied, the substance dissolves, and rises in the 
form of vapour or steam, and endeavours to pass through the neck into 
the next vessel; but as the air is colder at a distance from the fire, the 
steam or vapour becomes condensed, and distils or drops into the receiver. 
This liquid contains the spirit of the substance dissolved. As some portion 
of water mixes with the spirit, the full strength and purity depends upon 
the number of times it passes through this operation. Water passes into 
vapour at a temperature of 212 degrees; but spirit, being much lighter 
than water, is evaporated at a lower temperature, and rises first. 









IN LITERATURE, SCIENCE, AND ART. 



181 



Dras'tic, having the quality 
of a quick, powerful purgative. 

Diplo'ma, a certificate of a 
degree obtained at a university 
or college. 

Diplo'm ac v, the management of 
public business by an ambassador. 

Disruption, (Geo.) a violent 
separation of rocks, or of a stra- 
tum of earth, as by an earthquake. 

Dissei'sin, (L.) illegally dis- 
possessing a person of his land and 
tenements. [making a couplet. 

Dis'tich, two lines of poetry 

Disc, the face of a planet as it 
appears to the eye. 

Distringas, (L.) a power to 
seize goods, or the person. 

Dissec'tion, (An.) the divid- 
ing an animal body into its sub- 
stantial parts. 

Dithyram'bic, wild poetry. 

Do'do, a bird of a species now 
extinct*. 

Domesday book, a record of 



a survey of the lands, tenures, 
and subjects, throughout the king- 
dom, still existing, and made by 
order of William the Conqueror. 

Domin'ical days, a term for 
Sundays, signifying, " days of 
the Lord." The letter denoting 
the Sabbath in calendars is named 
the Dominical Letter. 

Domicil'iary, a term applied 
to visits made to private houses 
by authority. 

Do'ric, one of the architectural 
orders, noted for its simplicity and 
strength. 

Dor'sal, behind, or relating to 
the back, as the dorsal fins of fishes. 

Double enten'dre, (doobl 
aim taunder) a term applied to 
expressions that have a double 
meaning, or which admit of more 
than one construction. 

Doxol'ogy, a certain hymn 
in praise of the Almighty, [preter. 

Drag'oman, an Oriental inter- 



* The Dodo. — This curious species of bird is placed in the same tribe 
as the common domestic fowl, the turkey, and the peacock, and is thus 

described by an old 
writer : — Its body is 
round and fat, weigh- 
ing, when full grown 
nearly fifty pounds. 
Half the head is 
covered with black- 
ish downy feathers ; 
the other half is 
naked, or as if cover- 
ed with white trans- 
parent lawn. The 
bill is hooked, and 
bending downwards, 
with the breathing- 
place in the centre ; 
from which part to 
the end the colour 
is light green, going 
off gradually to pale 
yellow. The eyes 
are round, small, and bright. The covering is of fine down, with a few 
short curly feathers at the extremity of the back. The wings are com- 
posed of short thick feathers. The legs are thick and strong, with sharp 




182 



Dbown'ihgs 

cation*. 

Drunk'enness, the excitement 
occasioned by the use of spirituous 
liquors, deranging the senses and 
the will, and leading to disorderly 
conduct and to crime. 

Duct, any tube or passage 
through which a fluid can be con- 
ducted. 

DuEi',(Mu.)an air in two parts. 

Duodecimo, a term applied to 
books having twelve leaves to a 
sheet; duodecimals are numbers 
counted by twelves, [anything. 

Du'plicate, a second copy of 

Du'ra ma'teb, the membrane 
which lies between the bones of 
the skull and the parts of the 
brain, and which also divides it 
into two parts. 

Dynam'ics, the science which 



WORDa Of VARIOUS SYLLABLES 

death by suffo 



treats of the motions of bodies. 

Dynam'eter, an instrument for 
determinining the magnifying 
power of telescopes. 

Dynamqm'eter, a machine 
for measuring any kind of power, 
as the force of machinery, or the 
strength of men and animals. 

Dys'ektery, an intestinal 
disease, accompanied with severe 
fluxes, partly of blood. 

Dysfep'sia, a weakness or 
derangement of the organs of 
digestion. 



Earths, the substances which 
form the crust of the globe; they 
were formerly regarded as simple 
bodies, but are now proved to be 
compounds of oxygen with pe- 
culiar bases. 



talons, and the pace of the bird is extremely slow. The Dodo was found 
originally in the Isles of Mauritius and Bourbon, and is supposed to 
have become extinct in consequence of its value as an article of food to 
the earlier settlers, and its incapability of escaping from pursuit. 

* Drowning. — The precise period at which the vital spark quits the 
human frame after it has been immersed, has never yet been determined, 
hence it becomes necessary to use every means to recover those who are 
taken out of the water. For this object, the body should be carefully con- 
veyed to the nearest house, with the head and shoulders supported in a raised 
condition, and medical assistance be immediately sent for. In the meantime 
the body should be stripped, rubbed dry, wrapped in hot blankets, and 
placed in a warm bed in a warm chamber. Bottles filled with hot water, or 
heated bricks, should be applied to the pit of the stomach and the soles of 
the feet, and the body fomented with hot flannels, or, if possible, immersed 
in a bath, as hot as the hand can bear without pain. These various means 
must be employed, as far as possible, at the same time, and persevered in 
for three or four hours ; for it is an erroneous opinion that persons cannot 
recover because life does not very soon manifest itself. Some remedies 
which were once thought useful must be avoided. The body must not be 
held up by the feet, nor used roughly, nor rolled upon casks, nor rubbed 
with salt or spirits ; neither should tobacco smoke, nor infusions of to- 
bacco, be injected. By attention to the directions here given, the appa- 
rently drowned person may be restored to life and to friends. 

f Earthenware. — In the earlier ages the potter's art consisted merely 
in shaping the clay with the hand into suitable forms, and in exposing it 
to the heat of the sun or of fire, till it was sufficiently hardened for use. 
In process of time, the mould and the turning wheel were employed, to 
give greater variety and beauty to the different utensils manufactured. 
Clays of different kinds are now selected, and other ingredients are intro- 






IN LITERATURE, SCIENCE, AND ART. 



183 



Earth'enware, articles made 
of baked or vitrified earthf. 

Eas'el, a frame used to sup- 
port a picture while it is being 
painted. 

Eas'ter, a festival held to 
commemorate the resurrection of 
Christ, celebrated on the Sun- 
day following the first full moon 
after the 21st of March. 

Eaves, the edges of the roof 
which overhang the house. 

Eb'ony, a hard wood, mostly 
black, the product of tropical 
climates. 

Ebullit'ion, the operation of 
boiling or effervescence. 

Education, the formation of 
manners in youth by instruction. 

EccLESiAs'iic,a public teacher 
of religion. 

Eccentricity, deviation from 
a centre. [from a distance. 

Ec'ho, the reflection of sound 

Eclair'cissement, an explana- 
tion cr clearing up of any 
doubt. 

Eclec'tics, an ancient sect of 
philosophers who chose the best 
portions from the collective doc- 
trines of others. 

Eclipse', the shadow which a 
dark body reflects on another body 



on passing between it and a centre 
of illumination. 

Eclip'tic, (As.) the great cir- 
cle of the heavens which the sun 
describes in his annual revolu- 
tions. 

Econ'omy, a prudent expen- 
diture of money and time, or the 
greatest effect with the least 
means. 

EDENTA'TED,deprived of teeth. 

Eft or Newt, (Zo.) the com- 
mon or water lizard. 

Efferves'cence, (Ch.) fer- 
mentation, heat, rapid formation 
of air bubbles. 

Efflores'cence, (Bo.) the 
production of flowers : (Med.) the 
breaking out of some humour in 
the skin : (Ch.) the formation of 
a white powdery substance, on 
the surface of saline crystals. 

Efflu'vium, the particles 
which are continally but imper- 
ceptibly flying off from bodies. 

Ef'flux, a flowing out. 

Egg, the seed or germ of ovi- 
parous animals; the shell is com- 
posed of phosphate of lime, and 
water ; next is a thin membrane, 
then the white or albumen, and 
then the yolk, which consists of 
fat oil and serous matter. 



duced, acoording to the description of ware intended to be made. For the 
finer sorts flint is iised extensively. This is burned till it becomes white ; it 
is afterwards ground to powder, and mixed with water to the consistency of 
cream. The best clay used is made from Cornish granite, which is also 
reduced to powder, and brought to a similar consistency with water. The 
two creamy mixtures are then united, and are passed through sieves of 
various degrees of fineness, according to the quality of the porcelain, or 
ware, to be manufactured. While in a pliant state, the modeller forms this 
clay into the intended shape, and hardens it by a due application of heat. 
The landscapes, flowers, and other ornaments on the finer specimens, are 
produced by painting with hair pencils in mineral colours, which adhere 
permanently after undergoing certain processes of heat and glazing. 
For the commoner wares, the designs are engraved on copper, from 
which impressions are taken upon thin paper moistened in soap and 
water. These impressions are transferred to the ware by a careful rubbing 
on the back, and the paper is washed off. The article is afterwards taken 
to the kiln, and is then glazed, finished, and made ready for sale. 



184 



WORDS OF VARIOUS SYLLABLES, 



Eject 'ment, (L.) a writ by 
which any inhabitant of a house, 
or tenant of an estate, is com- 
manded to give up possession. 

Elab'orate, finished with 
great diligence, performed with 
great labour. 

Elas'tic, having the property 
of returning to the form from 
which it has been distorted ; hav- 
ing the power of a spring. 

Electri'city, the science 
which explains the laws that 
govern the phenomena of a pecu- 
liar element called electric fluid*. 

Elec'tro Metallurgy, the 
formation of articles in metals 
deposited by electricity f. 

Elec'tuary, medicines made 
of conserves and powders. 



Elementary, simple, uncom- 
pounded, having only one prin- 
ciple; rudimental. 

El'ements, those principles or 
bodies which are incapable of 
decomposition ; as oxygen, hydro- 
gen, nitrogen, carbon, about 40 
metals, to which are added chlo- 
rine, (a compounded result of sea 
water,) sulphur, and phosphorus. 

Elephantiasis, a species of 
leprosy. 

Elix'ir, the extract or quint- 
essence of anything. 

Ellip'sis, an oval figure. In 
grammar, the omission of some- 
thing to be understood by the 
reader. 

Elocu'tion, the art of speak- 
ing gracefully. 



* Electricity. — The electric fluid is diffused through all bodies, but 
being invisible, its presence is only known by the effects it produces. 
There are two kinds of electric bodies ; first, those which are excited by 
means of friction; thus if a stick of sealing-wax be rubbed briskly upon 
your coat, and then held near to small fragments of paper, they will fly 
to it, and adhere as long as the electric power remains. The second kind 
are those which receive their electric power by communication with the for- 
mer. Machines are made, in which, by means of a wheel, a rapid rota- 
tion is given to a glass globe, or cylinder, upon which is placed a cushion 
of silk, against which it rubs while whirling round. By this friction the 
glass becomes electric, and its virtue may be extended to any distance, 
by means of metallic bars, or chains, which communicate with the glass. 
While this machine is working, if we touch the conductor, we immedi- 
ately receive a shock ; and, if the room be darkened, a luminous spark 
will be perceived. When the electric fluid contained in the clouds seeks to 
pass into other bodies, it interrupts the equilibrium, and produces lightning, 
and those concussions the sound of which we call thunder ; and the reason 
that lightning is seen before the thunder is heard, is that light travels with 
a swiftness vastly greater than sound. The electric fluid appears to have a 
kind of flux and reflux in the atmosphere. In summer it increases and 
diminishes with the day. Towards the poles thunder is rarely heard, 
while at the tropics it is terrible. — Electricity has been applied in some 
bodily complaints with success ; and it is now employed in several 
branches of science so as to produce effects the most astonishing. 

f Electro Metallurgy. — The principle upon which this art is 
based depends upon the following circumstances. Metals maybe dissolved, 
and retained in solution, by various acids ; — as, for instance, copper in sul- 
phuric acid, producing a combination commonly known as blue vitriol. From 
this and similar solutions, the metallic particles may in various ways be 
again thrown do wn, or precipitated,in a pure metallic state. Such a separation 
of copper from its solution, being one of the results of a particular electrical 
process, carried on by means of a voltaic combination, in which liquid sul- 



mm 



IN LITERATURE, SCIENCE, AND ART. 



185 



Elope'ment, a secret departure 

Ely'sium, the supposed resi- 
dence of the blessed after death. 

Emboss', to raise with orna- 
mental work. 

Embroca'tion ,the application 
of medicinal liquids by rubbing 
or fomenting the part diseased. 

Embroid'ery, tasteful needle- 
work. 

Em'bryo, the state of anything 
not yet fit for production. 

Emenda'tion, an alteration 
in the text by verbal criticism. 

Em'ery, a natural combination 
of iron, flint, and earth ; it is very 
hard, and when reduced to pow- 
der is used to polish metals and 
minerals. 

Emer'sion,(As.) the reappear- 
ance of the sun and moon after 
they have undergone an eclipse. 

Emet'ic, a medicine for empty- 
ing the stomach by vomiting. 

Emigration, removal from 
one country to another. 

Emol'lient (Med.) a softening 
medicine. 



Empale'ment, driving a stake 
through the body of a person. 

Empan'nel, to summon, or 
swear in a jury. 

Empir'ical, practised without 
rational grounds. 

Empyreu'ma (Ch.) the disa- 
greeable smell produced by the 
burning or boiling of animal or 
vegetable oily matter. 

Emul'sion, a milky medicine, 
prepared by uniting oil and wa- 
ter, by means of sugar or gum. 

Enam'el, a painting with ma- 
terials which admit of calcination. 

Encaus'tic, a species of paint- 
ing with melted wax. 

Encore', again, once more. 

Encyclopce'dia, the whole 
circle of sciences, the round of 
learning. 

Endem'ic, a malady peculiar 
to a district, having its origin in 
some local cause. 

Endorsing, writing a name 
at the back of a bill of exchange, 
by which responsibility for its 
amount is incurred. 



phate of copper is an ingredient employed, it was accidentally found that 
the copper was deposited, not in powder or grains, but in one solid mass, 
equably distributed over a part of the immersed apparatus, whose exact 
form the deposit then assumed. For instance, the face of an engraved metal 
seal being immersed in the copper solution, and then made to transmit 
a current of voltaic electricity, the copper will be so attracted by the seal 
as eventually to assume the form of an accurate solid metal impression of 
it ; even more delicately so than could be obtained with sealing wax. By 
various modifications of this arrangement, different objects may be most 
faithfully copied, or rather multiplied, at little cost. A less tedious 
process is, to take a cast of the original in wax, or plaster, so pre- 
pared as to attract the dissolved metal. From these casts, or moulds, the 
metal deposit may be obtained at once in the form required. By this 
process, also, solid articles of inferior metal may be beautifully coated 
with gold or silver, at a comparatively small expense. When the surface 
of a metal article, such as a candlestick, bust, or statue, is cleaned, 
it is usually prepared with black lead, when the metal deposited upon it 
by the electric current coheres, and is not mechanically separable. A 
repetition of the process will increase the thickness of the coating, without 
altering the original form. Even natural and delicate artificial objects, as 
plants, insects, net work, &c, after being dipped in a solution of phospho- 
rus, may thus be made capable of receiving a perfect metallic coating. 



186 



WORDS OF VARIOUS SYLLABLES, 



Enfeoff', (L.) to invest with 
any dignity or possession. 

Enfranchise, to make free. 

Engineering, the art of con- 
structing machinery, also the 
formation of harbours, docks, 
bridges, and roads, or similar 
works. 

Engross', to copy in a legible 
character, or in a large law hand. 

Enig'ma, a riddle, an obscure 
question. [weariness. 

Ennui', (ahn-we) lassitude, or 

Enrol'ment, entering on a 
register. [of a complete work. 

Ensem'ble, the general effect 

Entab'lature (Ar.) the arch- 
itrave, frieze, and cornice of a 
pillar. 

Entail' (L.) an estate so set- 
tled, that no subsequent possessor 
can alienate it. 

Enthu'siasm, a transport of 
the mind ; a state wherein the 
imagination is greatly excited, or 
powerfully directed to one object. 

Entomol'ogy, the science which 
treats of the orders, varieties, 
structures, and habits of insects. 

E'pact, the eleven days by 
which the solar year exceeds the 
twelve lunar months. 

Ephem'era, a species of insect, 
which are produced and die 
within one day. [luxury. 

Ep'icure, one given wholly to 

Epideh'ic, a state of sickness 
produced by morbid matter in 
the atmosphere, unwholesome 
food, or other influences affecting 
a place for a temporary period. 

Ep'i&ium, a short poem, ter- 
minating in a point of wit. 



Ep'ilepsy, a disease which de- 
prives the afflicted of sensation 
and volition. 

Epiph'any, a feast celebrated on 
the twelfth day after Christmas, 
in commemoration of the ap- 
pearance of the miraculous star to 
the wise men. [by bishops. 

Epis'copac Y,a church governed 

Ep'isode, a digression intro- 
duced. 

Epithala'mium, a poem or 
song on a marriage. 

E'poch, the time at which a 
new computation is begun in chro- 
nology and history*. 

Equa'tor, an imaginary line 
round the earth, 90 degrees from 
each pole, sometimes called the 
equinoctial, because the nights 
and days there are equal. 

Eq'uerry, a groom to a prince. 

EQuEs'TRiAN,a rider on ahorse. 

Eq'uinox, the two periods of 
the year when the sun is vertical 
at the equator. 

Eq'uity, (L.) the correction of 
that wherein the law, (by reason 
of its universality) is deficient. 

Equivoca'tion, the using of 
words of a double meaning for 
the purpose of deception. 

Er'got, a disease in grain. 

Eriom'eter, an instrument for 
measuring the fibres of wool, 
silk, &c. 

Er'mine, a species of weasel, 
whose skin is used as an orna- 
ment to robes of state. 

Erpitol'ogy, the natural his- 
tory of reptiles. 

Erudi'tion, profound learning 
and extensive knowledge. 



* Epoch. — The principal Epochs are, the Creation, 4004 B. C. ; the 
Flood, 2348 ; the birth of Abraham, 1996 ; the conquest of Canaan, 1451 ; 
the taking of Troy, 1184 ; the finishing of Solomon's Temple, 1104 ; the 
first Olympiad, 776 ; the building of Rome, 753 ; the era of Nabonassar, 
747 ; the founding of the Persian Empire, by Cyrus, 559 ; the death of 
Alexander, 323 ; the death of Cassar, 44 B. C. ; the birth of Christ, 0, or 
commencement of the Christian era ; the Hegira of Mahomet, 622 A.C. 



IN LITERATURE, SCIENCE, AND ART. 



187 



Erup'tion, a violent bursting 
forth of any thing. 

Erysip'elas, or St. Anthony's 
fire ; a disease caused by the 
perspiration being too suddenly 
checked, or by an overheating 
of the blood *. 

Escalade', scaling the walls 
of a fortification. 

Escape'ment, (Me.) the part 
of a clock or watch movement 
which receives the force of the 
spring or weight, to give mo- 
tion to the pendulum or balance. 

Escheat' (L.) an obstruction 
in the course of descent, whereby 
lands become forfeited. 

Esoter'ic, and Exoter'ic, 
terms applied to secret societies 
among the ancients ; esoteric ap- 
plying to those who were admit- 
ted into the sanctuary — exoteric 
to those who remained in the 
outer court. 

Eu'phony, an 
harmonious sound 

Evaporation, the process by 
which a body is converted into 
vapour, and so carried off. 

Evolve', to throw off in vapour 
or in steam. 

Exa'cerbate, to embitter, to 
exasperate. 

Excheq'uer, a court wherein 
all causes touching the revenue 
are settled ; the treasury. 

Exege'sis, an explanatory dis- 
course. 



Ex'odus, the going forth from 
a place. 

Exor'dium, a preface or an 
introduction to a discourse. 

Expec'torate, to cough, or 
eject matter from the chest. 

Extra vasa'tion, the forcing 
of any of the fluids out of their 
natural vessels, in consequence of 
weakness, or a blow. 

Extrin'sic, outward, not inti- 
mately belonging to. [by animals. 

Exu'vi^e, skin or shells cast off 



Faca'de, (Ar.) the front of a 
large building, or the side of its 
chief entrance. 

Fa'cial Line, a line drawn 
from the nostril and touching the 
foreheadf. 

Fac sim'ile, an exact likeness. 

Fac'tor, (Co.) an agent for 
another: (Arith.) numbers from 
the multiplication of which other 
numbers are produced ; as, 7 & 5 
are the factors of 35. 

Fac'ulty, the power by which 
an effect is produced ; it is also 
used to designate masters and pro • 
fessors of various sciences, and 
especially the medical profes- 
sion, [or mendicant. 

Fakeer', a Mahometan devotee 

Fal'low, the state of land left 
uncultivated, with a view to its 
improvement by rest. 

Falset'to, (Mu.) a feigned 



* Erysipelas. — Its symptoms are fever, pain in the head and back, 
and a swelling and redness of the parts. As soon as small pustules appear 
the fever usually abates, and when the skin in the parts affected turns 
yellow, and peels off, the danger is over. 

f Facial Angle. — On the size of the angle made by the facial line, 
with another drawn from the nostrils to the centre of the ear, many have 
supposed that the power of the intellect mainly depends. Great interest has 
been taken on this subject, and in the course of the enquiry, the heads of 
statues have been measured, besides those of individuals of various coun- 
tries: the result as to degrees of intellect is thus stated: Greek statues 100, 
Roman 95, European generally 85, Asiatics 75, Negroes 70 ; the 
Ourang Outang 60, the Sheep 30, and in Horses but 23. 



188 



WORDS OF VARIOUS SYLLABLES, 



voice, produced by straining it 
above its usual compass. 

Fanta'sia, an unpremeditated 
piece of irregular music. 

Fari'na, meal or flour ; also 
the fine dust found on flowers. 

Farina 'ceous, resembling meal 
or flour. 

Fas'ces, axes tied up in a bun- 
dle with rods or staves, and which 
were borne before the Roman ma- 
gistrates, as a badge of authority. 

Fas'cine, (For.) faggots or 
small branches of trees, mixed 
with earth, to fill up trenches, or to 
make up a parapet for protection. 

Fa'talism, the belief in an 
irresistible destiny. 

Fath'om, a measure contain- 
ing six feet, being taken from the 
space a man can reach with both 
his arms extended. 

Fauns, the mythological demi- 
gods of woods, thence called syl- 
van deities. 



Feb'kile, constituting, or pro- 
ceeding from, a fever. 

Fe'cit, a word used by artists 
to indicate the designer. 

Fec'ula, (Ch.) the dried ex- 
tract of vegetables ; a starch. 

Fecun'dity, bringing forth in 
great abundance. 

Fed'eral, relating to a league 
or confederation. 

Fee, (L. ) lands held in per- 
petual right on condition of an 
acknowledgement paid to the 
lord of the manor. Fee Simple, 
when unconditional. 

Fee'- tail, (L.) is when lands 
are given to a man, and the heirs 
of his body, so that if he have 
children by a third wife, and not 
of the first, they shall inherit. 

Fe'line, like a cat*. 

Fe'lo de se', a self-murder. 

Fel'ony, a crime punished with 
death or transportation. 

Fel'spar, a crystalized mine- 



*Feline is the name given to a class of animals of the cat kind, which, 
though differing in size and colour, are nearly allied to each other. They 
have sharp and formidable claws, which they can hide or extend at plea- 
sure. They live chiefly upon flesh, seek their food alone, and are, in 

_ ^ =, -= general, fierce, rapa- 

^,— ° _ cious, subtle, and 

cruel. Some few in- 
stances have occur- 
red in which they 
have been tamed and 
rendered subservient 
to human command ; 
but they are still 
dangerous, since the 
smallest fit of anger 
or caprice may cause 
them to put forth 
their strength with 
dreadful consequen- 
ces. The household 
cat, which is the 
smallest animal of 
this kind, is the only 
one that can safely 
be taken under human protection. The lion, tiger, leopard, panther, once, 
puma, ocelot, jaguar, and cerval, all belong to this tribe. The leopard, 




IN LITERATURE, SCIENCE, AND ART. 



189 



ral compound of silica, alumina, 
and potash, one of the constituents 
of granite, softer than quartz, and 
harder than glass, generally white, 
greyish, or reddish, and converti- 
ble into clay. 

Felt'ing, the method of work- 
ing hair or wool into a substance, 
like hats. 

Femme' couverte', (L.) is a 
married woman protected from 
personal liabilities. Femme Sole, 
an unmarried woman. 

Fem'oral, belonging to the 
thigh. [granting possession. 

Feoff'ment, (L.) the act of 

Fermenta'tion, the spontane- 
ous change which occurs in cer- 
tain vegetable and animal matter*. 

Ferruginous, rusty, or of the 
colour of iron rust. 

Fer'rule, an iron ring put 
round any thing to prevent its 
cracking. 



Feru'la, an instrument of cor- 
rection. 

FESTOON',(Ar.) an ornament of 
carved work in the form of a 
wreath or garland. 

Fet'lock, a tuft of hair grow- 
ing over the hoof of a horse. 

Feu'dal, something held by 
tenuref. 

Fi'AT,the absolute decree of any 
supreme power : (L.) a warrant 
signed by a judge for making out 
and allowing certain processes. 

Fief, (fee/) (L.) a fee, a 
manor, or possession, held by 
some tenure of a superior. 

Fie'ri fa'cias, (L.) a judicial 
writ commanding the sheriff to 
levy the amount of damages as- 
sessed, [threads. 

Fila'ceous, (Bo.) consisting of 

Fil' agree, an enrichment of 
fine threads or grains, generally 
ornaments of gold or silver. 



described in the cut here given, is generally about four feet in length, and 
its tail about two feet and a half. Its colour is a bright and hand- 
some tawny yellow, with numerous dark round marks or rings, chiefly 
disposed into circles of four or five in number, with occasionally a central 
spot in each circle of a deeper colour. The ey0 is restless and forbidding, 
the aspect ferocious, and all the motions violent and precipitate. It lies 
in ambush for its prey, springs upon it with a powerful bound, and devours 
every species of animal it is able to overcome. When in search of prey 
it endeavours to avoid man, but when pressed by hunger, it fears neither 
man nor beast, and few can preserve themselves from this infuriated 
animal. 

* Fermentation. — When dead animal or vegetable matters are sub- 
jected to warmth or moisture, they undergo internal changes of various 
kinds. If gluten, sugar, and water, be mixed in certain proportions, and 
assisted by heat, they will pass into the vinous fermentation, and a spi- 
rituous liquor will be the result. If gluten unduly abounds, or the heat be 
too strong, it passes into the acetous fermentation, and vinegar is formed. 
The heat exhibited by hay stacks and other vegetable matter, is produced by 
the bituminous fermentation; so also is the formation of peat, and probably 
coal. Grain, when malted, becomes sweet, because of the saccharine 
fermentation. Bread is rendered light by the panary fermentation ; and 
flesh, when putrid, has passed into the putrefactive fermentation. 

f Feudal Tenure — an estate in land, given by the lord to his vassals in 
lieu of wages, upon condition of assisting him in wars, or to do him some 
other service. The grant was originally given that princes might be fur- 
nished with an efficient number of soldiers. 



190 



WORDS OF VARIOUS SYLLABLES. 



Filtra'tion, the act of making 
liquor fine and clear by straining. 

Fin, that membrane of a fish 
by means of which it can traverse 
the water with great velocity ; 
fins act as oars in a boat. 

Fina'le, the close, the end. 

Fir'man, is a passport or per- 
mit granted to foreigners to trade 
or travel in the east. 

First Fruits, (L.) the profits 
of a spiritual living for the first 
year, anciently given to the popes, 
afterwards to the king, and now 
applied to the augmentation of 
poor livings. 

Fis'cal, assessments belong- 
ing to the revenue of a prince or 
people. 

Fis'tula, a deep ulcerated hole 
or canal. 

Flat, (Mu.) a note lowered one 
half. 

Flax, a strong fibrous plant, 
from which linen is made*. 

Fleur de lis, a species of lily. 

Flint, a silecious stone, found 
between strata of chalk. 

Floetz, (Geo.) horizontal beds 
or strata, which lie over the 
transition rocks f . 

Flo'ra, the goddess of flowers, 



and the name of a classification 
of plants. 

Flu'orine, the basis of a very 
corrosive acid called the fluoric, 



used for etching 



lass 



forms, with lime, the fluor spar of 
Derbyshire. 

Flux, the act of flowing ; the 
state of passing away, and giving 
place to otherst. 

Flux'ions, treat of the velo- 
city with which the fluents, or 
flowing quantities, increase or 
decrease. 

Fo'cus, the point to which the 
rays of light or heat are collected 
after they have undergone reflec- 
tion or refraction. 

Fce'tus, the state of young 
animals, advanced so far as to 
possess shape. 

Fo'liated, consisting of thin 
plates or leaves. 

Fol'licle, a seed-vessel. 

Fomentation, (Med.) a partial 
bathing, or application of hot 
flannels to any part which is to 
be fomented. 

For'ceps, a pair of pincers ; a 
surgical instrument. 

Fore'close, to close prema- 
turely, to preclude: (L.) to for e- 



* Flax — grows to the height of two feet, and great care and labour are 
required in its cultivation ; when ripe it is gathered, dried, and the fibres 
carefully separated from the straw by a variety of processes. It is then 
taken to the mill, saturated with water, and spun into yarn or thread, for 
the hand-loom weaver to manufacture into linen, towelling, or canvass. 

f Floetz. — There are two formations, one called floetz, or secondary, 
containing the petrified remains of animalcules and vegetables now extinct : 
and the other, consisting of similar formations, and the alluvial soils lying 
upon them, containing the remains of animals, similar to those now in 
existence, and consisting of basalt, wacke, greystone, porphyry, slate, and 
trap tuff; also of rolled stones, gravel, sand, loam, and fragments of ore, 
peat, bog, breccia, stalactite, &c. 

X Flux — in Medicine, is an evacuation of some humour or matter. 
In Hydrography, it is the periodical motion of the sea, whereby the water is 
raised and driven violently against the shores. In Mechanics, it is the state 
of being melted, known as solder; or that which facilitates the union of 
body when mixed with it. 



ate 



IN LITERATURE, SCIENCE, AND ART. 



191 



close a mortgage is to cut off the 
power of redemption. 

Foren'sic, belonging to a court 
of law or judicature. 

Fore-short'ening, is the art 
of drawirjg those parts of figures 
or animals correctly, which are, 
by their position, presented ob- 
liquely to the eye. 

Forlorn' hope, men selected 
for a desperate attack, founded on 
the last hope of success. 

For'mula, a prescribed form 
or model, 

Forma'tion, (Geo.) the general 
name of the various strata which 
compose the surface of the earth, 
supposed to have bsen formed at 
different remote periods. 

Form'a pau'peris, after the 
manner of a poor man *. 

Fortifica'tion, the art of 
defending a place f . 



Fortio'ri, or a fortiori, the 
strongest reason. 

Fortis'simo, (Mu.) very loud. 

Fos'sil, that which is dug out 
of the earth, either simple and 
compound mineral bodies, or the 
petrified forms of plants and 
animals. 

Frankpledge, a pledge or 
security for a freeman. 

Free'stone, a sandstone, com- 
monly used in building. 

Freight, any thing with which 
a ship is loaded ; the money paid 
for the carriage of goods in a ship 
or vessel. 

Fres'co, a method of paint- 
ing upon a ground of prepared 
plaster, or cement. 

Fri'able, easily crumbled or 
reduced to powder. 

Frie'ze, (Arch.) the flat 
member, which separates the 



* Forma Pauperis — is a term used when a person has cause of suit, but 
is unable to pay the legal charges ; he then makes oath that he is not worth 
five pounds after his debts are paid, and on bringing a certificate from some 
lawyer that his cause is a just one, the judge admits him to sue without 
paying fees to the counsellor, attorney, clerk, or the stamp duty. 

f Fortification. — Fortifications are both natural and artificial, the ' 
former being, in many cases, rendered more complete by the latter. Few 




places illustrate this more fully than the Rock of Gibraltar, a celebrated 
promontory in the South of Spain. This place was converted into a mili- 



192 



WORDS OF VARIOUS SYLLABLES, 



also 



architrave from the cornice 
a coarse kind of cloth. 

Fructification, the act of 
causing, or of bearing fruit; the 
name of all those parts of a plant 
which produce the seed. 

Fu'cus, the sea-weeds of the 
class from which kelp is pro- 
cured. 

Fugue, (Mu.)a flight, occur- 
in g when the different parts of a 
composition follow each other, 
each person repeating what the 
first has performed. 

Ful'crum (Me. ), the prop or 
support on which the lever rests. 

Ful'ler's Earth, a substance 
derived from the felspar of broken 
granite, forming a kind of clay 
which has the property of ab- 
sorbing oil and grease from cloth, 
wool, and similar substances. 

Fulmina'tion, a loud explo 
sion ; the report given on the 
ignition of preparations called 
fulminating powders. 

Fumiga'tion, the dispersion of 
smoke or fumes for the purifica- 
tion of articles supposed to be 
infected. 



Func'tion, an employment, 
office, or trade ; a single act of 
any office; power, faculty. 

Fund amen 'tal, serving for 
the foundation, essential. 

Fun'gus, a vegetable of ex- 
tremely rapid growth, which 
springs from decaying matter. 

Fur'lough, a permission given 
to a soldier, to be absent for a 
stated time. 

Fur'row, a small trench made 
for the reception of seeds, or the 
draining of land ; the mark made 
in the face by age, a wrinkle. 

Fusee', a small tube filled with 
combustibles, used for the dis- 
charge of bombs and fireworks. 

Fusd3il'ity, a capacity of be- 
ing melted, or liquified by fire. 

Fu'sioN,the melting or causing 
any substance to pass from a solid 
to a liquid state by the action of 
fire. 

G. 

Ga'ble, the sloping roof of a 
building. The gable-end is the 
upright triangular end of a house 
from the eaves to the centre of the 
roof. 



tary station by the Moors, in the beginning of the eighth century, and 
they retained possession of it for several hundred years. It was then 
occupied by the Spanish, with the exception of a short period, till it was 
conquered by the British, in the year 1704. After repeated attempts 
on the part of the Spaniards to regain it, it sustained a memorable siege 
for nearly four years, till in the year 1783 the contest was terminated 
by a general peace. The town of Gibraltar is fortified in itself ; but its 
principal protection consists in the batteries on the surrounding heights, 
that sweep the isthmus, which, with the fortifications and the garrison, 
are maintained at an annual expense of jg40,00Q sterling. It commands 
the whole of the western coast of Spain, and effectually cuts off all com- 
munication by sea between that part of Spain which is bounded by the 
Mediterranean, and those parts bounded by the Atlantic. Not the least 
curious part of these fortifications is in the rock itself. The interior of the 
rock has several large natural excavations, the largest of which, called St. 
George's Cave, is here represented. The opening to this does not exceed 
four or five feet ; but it widens into an apartment two hundred feet in length 
by ninety in breadth, from the lofty roof of which descend numerous pillars 
formed of petrified water, giving it the appearance of a Gothic cathedral. 
These natural defences are of great antiquity, and have been materially 
improved bv the modern arts of warfare. 



IN LITERATURE, SCIENCE, AND ART. 



193 



Gae'lic, the name of the an- 
cient Celtic language, still spoken 
in the Highlands of Scotland. 

Gal'axy, (As.) the combina- 
tion of stars forming the Milky 
Way ; a term used to signify any 
assemblage of bright objects. 

Gale'na, the sulphuret of lead, 
found both in masses and in 
crystals. 

Gall, (An.) a yellow bitter 
juice, secreted from the blood in 
the glands of the liver, and lodged 
in the gall-bladder. 

Gal'licism, a manner of ex- 
pression, or mode of speech, after 
the French idiom. 

Gal'vanism, the electricity 
evolved by the contact of two 
pieces of metal, such as copper 
and zinc* 

Gam'boge, a resinous gum, the 
produce of an Indian tree. It is 
used as a fine yellow colour, [notes. 

Gam'ut,(Mu.) a table or scale of 

Gan'grene, (Med.) a term ap- 



plied to a stage of mortifica- 
tion, before vitality is completely 
gone. 

Gar'gle, a liquid with which 
the throat is washed, without 
being swallowed. 

Gar'lic, (Bo.) a bulbous root, 
of a strong smell and acrid taste. 

Gas, (Ch.) the name given to 
all permanently elastic fluids of 
an aerial form. f 

Gas'tric juice, a fluid secreted 
within the stomach, to assist di- 
gestion ; it does not differ greatly 
from saliva, but produces very 
different effects. 

Gastbon'omy, the science cf 
eating and drinking. 

Gauge, {gage) an instrument 
used for measuring. 

Gav'el kind, a law by which 
estates are equally divided among 
all the sons, to the exclusion of 
females. 

Gazet'te, (ga-zet) the official 
newspaper issued under the sanc- 



* Galvanism — Aname derived from Galvani, an Italian, who discovered 
that cerlain metals dissimilar in their nature develop a power which re- 
sembles the electric fluid. His discovery subsequently led to the forma- 
tion of the Galvanic Battery, in which plates of different metals are 
arranged in pairs, with a saline or acid solution betwixt each pair ; and 
from which the galvanic fluid may be drawn off by conductors, producing 
effects similar to those caused by electricity. The electro-galvanic fluid is 
used by chemists in decomposing compound bodies, and for other purposes. 
It has been called animal electricity from its effect on the animal muscle. 

f Gas. — The gas with which our streets and houses are illuminated, is 
obtained from coal, by a species of distillation; and every vessel used in 
its manufacture is so constructed as to exclude the atmospheric air. In 
making gas, a large fire is kindled, over which is placed a retort, (or long 
cylinder) having a door at one end and a chimney at the other. Into this 
retort, coals are thrown, and the door closed ; and as coals will not burn 
without air, they become decomposed (or melted). As they dissolve, a 
column of smoke arises, which consists of liquified tar, gas, and water ; 
these substances pass together into the chimney, and are conveyed into 
another retort (or large pot), containing water. The water being cold, 
the steam and tar are both condensed (made thick and heavy) ; the 
steam unites with the water, the tar being heavier, falls to the bottom of 
the retort, and the gas, though still in a very impure state, being lighter 
than the water, passes upward through another tube (or chimney),^and is 
conveyed into another retort containing lime and water mixed in a thin 
pasty mass, and kept in a state of constant agitation. The gas passes 



194 



WORDS OF VARIOUS SYLLABLES, 



tion of the Government, for giv- 
ing publicity to important mat- 
ters or events. 

Gazetteer', a brief description 
of important places, arranged 
alphabetically. 

Gear'ing, (Me.) a series of 
wheels which work into each 
other. In clock work it is called 
the movement. 

Gel'atine, a jelly or substance 
obtained from bones. Isinglass 
and glue are almost wholly com- 
posed of gelatine. 

Geneal'ogy, a history of the 
succession of any person or 
family. 

Gen'eralissue,(L.) that plea 
which denies the declaration or 
indictment, and requires the party 
to prove all that he has stated. 

Gen'esis, the name of the first 
book of the Old Testament, so 
called because it contains the his- 
tory of the generation or pro- 
duction of all things. 

Gejm'tian, the root of a plant 



of a bitter taste, native to the 
mountains of Germany. 

Ge'nus, in Natural History, 
one class comprehending many 
species. 

Geog'raphy, a description of 
the surface of the earth, its divi- 
sions, and general characteristics. 

Geol'ogy, the science which 
investigates the structure of the 
globe, the relative situation of 
rocks and minerals, their connec- 
tion with each other, and their 
changes. [ing land. 

Geom'etry, the art of measur- 

Geor'gics, poems treating of 
agriculture, as those of Yirgil. 

Germina'tion, (Bo.) the act 
or process of budding or sprout- 
ing forth. 

Gill, the organ of respiration 
in fishes ; the water enters by the 
gills opening, and acts upon the 
blood, as it circulates in the fibrils. 

Gin'ger, the root of a plant 
growing within the tropicsf . 

Gla'cier,J (glashier,) a frozen 



through two or three processes of this kind, until it is thoroughly purified, 
when it is conveyed into a very large vessel, called a gasometer, from 
whence it is conveyed through pipes to the required places. The time 
of keeping the coal in the retort is about five hours (and a chaldron yields 
about 10,000 cubic feet of gas), when it is opened, and the coke (or cinder) 
is drawn out and spread on an iron floor, the process of cooling being 
hastened by buckets of water thrown over it. The tar which sinks to 
the bottom of the water in the retort is used for a variety of purposes ; the 
water is used to cool the bars of the furnace, and the lime is mixed up with 
clay, to form a cement for securing the covers of the retorts. 

* Geometry — treats of lines, surfaces, and solids. Hence, figures of 
every size or shape can be measured by its rules. A surface of length and 
breadth is termed its superficies, and whatever may be the size of an 
object, whether it be a log of wood, a pyramid, or a globe, the number 
of cubic inches, yards, or miles, can be determined by this science. 

f Ginger — is propagated by cuttings planted in spring ; in three or 
four months, their rootsticks acquire a mild aromatic flavour, and in this 
state are used for the preparation of preserved ginger. In eight or twelve 
months the roots acquire full strength, and are prepared either by scalding 
and drying them with artificial heat, or by peeling and drying them in 
sunshine ; by the first process the black, by the latter the white ginger is 
produced. 

J Glacier. — The most common form of a glacier is that of a river 



IN LITERATURE, SCIENCE, AND ART. 



195 



torrent, caused by the vapours of 
the earth, which are constantly 
ascending, becoming condensed 
into ice on the tops of the highest 
mountains. [a fortification. 

Gla'cis, the sloping bank of 
GLA'DiATORS,men who fought 
at the public games of Home 
for the entertainment of the 
spectators. 

Glan'ders, a disease to which 
horses are subject; it is a running 
of corrupt matter from the nose, 
differing in colour, according to 
the degree of its malignity. 



GtajMDS, (An.) small hollow 
vessels; they are those organs of 
the body which separate the fluids. 

Glass, an artificial, transpa- 
rent, and brittle substance.* 

Glebe, the land belonging to 
a parish, cultivated by the in- 
cumbent. 

Glee, (Mu.) a composition in 
three or more parts. 

Globe, a sphere on which the 
various regions of the earth are 
geographically depicted; this is 
called a terrestrial globe ; a celes- 
tial globe is a sphere on which 



of ice filling a valley bet\* een high mountains, and pouring down its 
masses into valleys yet lower. Some are formed about 8000 or DOOO feet 
above the level of the sea, and extend from three to twenty miles in length, 
by one or two in breadth, their surface being in some cases smooth and 
unbroken, but more generally marked by deep chasms and pinnacles of 
ice, rising in fantastic forms. As glaciers have their origin in the higher 
valleys and gorges, they sometimes descend into the midst of warm and 
pine-clad slopes and greenswards, and bring devastation into the huts of 




the peasantry. This movement of the glacier is accounted for by suppo- 
sing that the ice is assisted onward by some secret spring of water, issuing 
from beneath its extremity, and which gradually undermines it. This 
water is derived from natural springs, the melting of the ice, and the waste 
of the glacier itself by the action of the sun and rain.. 

* Glass. The ingredients used in its manufacture are, principally, a 

fine white sea sand, purified pearlash, litharge (red lead), and nitre ; 



196 



WORDS OF VARIOUS SYLLABLES, 



the constellations are laid down 
according to their places in the 
firmament. 

Glob'ule, a small particle of 
matter, of a spherical form, as 
the red particles of the blood. 

Glos'sary, a definition of ob- 
scure or antiquated words. 

Glot'tis, the opening of the 
larynx, or windpipe, behind the 
tongue. 

Glue, a species of cement made 
from the paring of hides, hoofs, 
and other oifal, by boiling them 
and straining off their impurities. 

Glu'ten, an elastic and tena- 
cious substance, resembling gum, 
found largely in flour and other 
vegetable bodies, [and adhesive. 

Glu'tinous, any thing soft 

Glyphography, is the art of 
drawing through a thin layer of 
composition upon a plate ; a cast 
of which, takenby theElectrotype 
process is printed from, after the 
manner of a wood engraving. 

GwE'iss,(?zzse) (Geo.) a species 
of a slaty texture, containing 



metals, and, in many countries, 
lying immediately over the great 
mountain masses of granite. 

Gno'mojv, the index of a dial, 
always parallel to the axis of the 
earth. 

Gnomon 'ics, a science which 
teaches the art of finding the just 
proportions of shadows for the 
construction of sun-dials. 

Gnu, a swift footed animalf . 

Gold, a metal 19 times hea- 
vier than water, and the most 
malleable and ductile of all metals ; 
a single grain may be so beaten as 
to cover 50 square inches. 

Gold beaters' skin, a thin 
membranous skin prepared from 
the entrails of an ox, and used by 
gold beaters for the purpose of 
laying between them the leaves 
of metal. 

Gos'samer, a fine filmy sub- 
stance like a cobweb. 

Goth'ic, (Ar.) a style distin- 
guished by pointed arches andclus- 
tered columns, introduced by the 
Normans about the 12th century. 



the sand forming about two thirds of the mixture. Calcined flint was 
once extensively used, but a peculiar sea sand, procured from Lynn, in 
Norfolk, and Alum Bay, in the Isle of Wight, have long formed the silex 
used in glass houses. New South Wales, also, now supplies us with the 
sand. When these substances are well blended together, they are put into 
large pots, or crucibles, and placed in a furnace, where, after a long con- 
tinuous heat, (about 48 hours,) and the removal of impurities generated 
by the process, they become a transparent fluid, and form the material 
from which the glass is either blown, or cast, into any shape that may be 
required. When glass is cast, moulds are prepared, into which the liquid 
mass is placed. When articles are made by blowing, the workman dips 
the end of an iron pipe into the melting-pot, and the fluid which adheres 
to it, is partly formed by bis breath into the shape required, and while it 
is still red hot and soft, its ultimate shape is given, and additional pieces 
may be joined to it. When finished, the article is placed in an upper 
furnace, and kept in a red heat until it is properly annealed. To colour 
the glass, cobalt is used for blue, oxyde of iron for green ; and, according 
to the tint required, other colouring matter can be introduced. 

* Gnu. — This animal forms a graceful link between the buffalo and the 
antelope tribe. It is a native of the wild and hilly districts of South 
Africa, where it roams mostly in large herds, which migrate according 
to the season. The body is about three feet two inches long, and the 



IN LITERATURE, SCIENCE, AND ART. 



197 



Gourdes climbing or creeping 
plant growing in the East. 

Gra'dient, is the deviation 
from a level to an inclined 
plane. 

Graduate, a man dignified 
with an academical degree. 

Gham'mae, the art of writing 
or speaking, to express exactly 
what we mean. 

Graminiv'orous, living upon 
grass or h rbage. 

Gram 'pus, a large fish of the 
whale kind. 

Grandiloquence, a lofty or 
pompous style of expression. 

Gran'ite, (Geo.) a primary, 
unstratified, hard rock, usually 
greyish, but varying in colour. 
It is the fundamental rock of the 
earth, on which the others lie, 



though it shoots up both in lofty 
mountain-ranges and low-lying 
grounds. 

Granula'tion, the process 
of forming metallic substances 
into grains ; in surgery it signifies 
the small specks of red flesh 
which spring up in healing sores. 

Graniv'orous, feeding on 
grain. 

Gravita'tio^t, is the law of 
attraction, by which bodies fall 
to the earth, and by which the 
planets are kept moving in their 
relations to the sun. 

Grega'rious, a term descrip- 
tive of those animals which herd 
together in flocks. 

Grego'rian, a name applied 
to the arrangement of the calen- 
dar year made by Pope Gregory, 



height three feet six inches. The neck is unusually thick, having a mane 
on the upper part. The orbit of the eyes is round and surrounded by 
long white hairs, forming a kind of star, and giving the animal an uncom- 
mon and fierce appearance. Its general colour is deep brown, verging 




upon black. It possesses great strength and swiftness, acute scent, and a 
quick sight. Its flesh is prized as food, but they are not to be ap- 
proached without difficulty. When taken young the Gnu will become 
domesticated, but it is apt upon occasions to become ferocious and 
unmanageable. 



198 



WORDS OF VARIOUS SYLLABLES, 



and familiarly called the change 
from the old to the new style. 

Gjja'so, the dung and remains 
of birds*. 

Guild, (gild) a society, or cor- 
poration, united and governed by 
their own laws. Hence Guild- 
hall is a place or hall wherein 
their affairs are transacted. 

Gum, a vegetable juice exud- 
ing from the pores of certain 
plants, and then hardening into 
a tenacious or sticky mass, which 
may be dissolved. 

Gum'powder, a composition 
of sulphur, nitre, and charcoal. 
A musket, when charged with 
gunpowder, will send a ball, on 
on average, 1600 feet per second, 
and its range is half a mile. 

Gut'ta sere'na, a disease of 
the optic nerve, causing blindness. 

Gymna'sium, the place used 
by the Greeks for athletic exer- 
cises, and named from gymnos 
(naked), because some of these 
exercises were performed in that 
state. 

Gyp's um, a substance com- 
posed of sulphate of lime, which 
when heated and ground, forms 
plaster of Paris. 

H. 

Ha'beas cor'pus", (L.) a writ 
to remove a prisoner into a supe- 



rior Court, for the due hearing 
of his cause ; when, if found to 
be unlawfully detained, he is 
there discharged. 

Hail, drops of rain congealed 
into ice, in consequence of the 
great coldness of the air through 
which they pass. 

Ha'lo, a luminous ring round 
the heavenly bodies, supposed to 
be a reflection by vapour. 

Hallucination, an error, or 
a mistake of imagination. 

Har'py, a poetical creation, 
with the face of a woman, and 
the claws and wings of a bird, 
remarkable for rapaciousness; it 
signifies a ravenous or exceed- 
ingly covetous person. 

Hatch'ment, an armorial 
bearing, placed, with an angle 
downwards, over the door of a 
deceased person, or against the 
wall of a church. 

Heat, the cause of the sensa- 
tion we feel when near the firef . 

Hebdom'adal, recurring every 
seven days. 

Hec'tic, (Med. > ) troubled with 
a morbid heat, or fever, and a 
frequent flush on the cheeks. 

Hegi'ra, the epoch of Maho- 
met's flight, on the 10th of July, 
622, from Mecca. From this 
term is dated the series of eastern 
or lunar years, of 354 days. 



* Guano — has long been known as a powerful manure. Among the 
limestone cliffs of Yorkshire many tons have been collected annually by 
men engaged in taking the eggs of the wild pigeons, and who, for that 
purpose, let each other down the face of the cliffs by means of a "gin" or 
windlass. This manure is sold to the neighbouring farmers, and is 
found highly beneficial for their grain crops, though not equal in efficacy to 
the Peruvian and African guano. It is, however, a pleasing circumstance 
in the economy of nature, that the sheltering shrub and the sheltered bird, 
mutually benefit each other, so that the offensive excrements of the bird con- 
tribute to the growth and beauty of the plant. In harmony with this is ano- 
ther fact, that where there is no rain, and consequently no vegetation, the 
great proportion of the dung of birds is converted by the action of the 
sun's rays into a non volatile, but soluble salt, one of the principal ingredi- 
ents in the great depots of tropical guano. 

f Heat — is better understood from its effects, than from a knowledge of 



IN LITERATURE, SCIENCE, AND ART. 



199 



Heir looms, (L.) are articles 
which descend to the heir along 
with the inheritance, and cannot 
be devised away by will. 

He'lots, the name of a class of 
slaves in Sparta, who did not 
belong to separate masters, but to 
the state. 

Hel'lenism, an idiom, or man- 
ner of expression, peculiar to the 
Greek language. 

Hem'istich, in poetry, a line 
left half completed. . 

Hem'lock, a poisonous plant. 

Hemp, a fibrous material ob- 
tained from a plant called canna- 
bis ; it is a species of the nettle. 

Hen 'bane, a plant common 
in hedges, and bearing yellow 
and purple flowers, with a dark 
grey seed ; it is poisonous. 

Hepat'ic, (Ph.) pertaining to 
the liver. (Ch.) Hepatic air is 
inflammable. 

Hep'tarchy, the name given 
to the seven Saxon kingdoms, 
into which England was divided 
for about 300 years. 



Her'ald, an officer who makes 
proclamations, designs coats of 
arms, registers genealogies, and 
directs regal processions. 

Herb'al, a work giving a 
summary view of plants. 

Herba'ceous, feeding on ve- 
getables. 

Hercu'lean, expressive of 
great strength and perseverance 
necessary to execute any under- 
taking. 

Her'iot, a fine paid under the* 
feudal system to the lord, at the 
death of a tenant ; generally the 
best beast in the -tenant's stock. 

Hered'itary, inheriting by 
family heirship in a lineal descent. 

Hermet'ical, a mode of seal- 
ing which effectually excludes all 
foreign bodies. 

Her'nia, (An.) an intestinal 
rupture. 

Hexam'eter, in classical 
poetry a line of six feet. 

Hierarchy, a sacred or ec- 
clesiastical government. 



its composition. Its presence converts a hard solid mass into a liquid 
or a liquid into steam or a gas. In its absence a liquid become^ 
solid, as when water is changed into ice. Its effects are manifest through 
all nature ; but the present extent of human information is limited to a 
partial knowledge of the laws by which it is governed. Without heat, the 
clay would not subserve the purpose of man's ingenuity, the metals could 
not add to his comfort, and he must forego many of the occupations as 
well as the enjoyments of life. But how beautifully has the Author of all 
goodness spread over the surface, and within the bowels of the earth, the 
means of bringing this latent principle into useful action. The transform- 
ing power of heat is most wonderful ; it does not annihilate any substance : 
it may reduce it to powder, to vapour, or to air, but in its gaseous form it 
becomes the means of nourishing and maturing the animal and the plant. 
The growth of the acorn into the majestic oak, and the revivification of 
the various productions of nature, are all to be traced to this principle. 
They are replenished and brought to perfection by the very proces's which 
we, in our ignorance, often suppose to be destructive. 

* Hemp. — The plant which yields this substance is found in most parts 
of the world. It is an annual, having nearly simple stems, which grow 
to the height of five or six feet, and are covered with stiff hairs. The 
stem contains a very tough woody tissue, which, after being cleared from 
the pith, is capable of being manufactured into canvas and cordage, and is 
applied to a variety of most useful purposes. The plant contains a nar- 



200 



WORDS OF VARIOUS SYLLABLES, 



Hieroglyphic, an emblem ; 
the art of writing by pictures*. 

Hip'podrome, acourse wherein 
chariot, or horse races, were ex- 
hibited, or horses exercised. 

Histrion'ic, relating to the 
stage, or to dramatic performers. 

Hol'ocaust, a burnt offering, 
or sacrifice, wholly consumed by 
fire. 

Hol'ograph, a deed or testa- 
ment, wholly written by the hand 
of the testator. 

Hom'icide, (L.) the killing of 
one human being by another. It 
is of three kinds, justifiable, excu- 
sable, and felonious. 

Hom'ily, a discourse upon 
points of religion, delivered in a 
plain easy style. 

Homceop'athy, a system of 
medicine which declares that na- 
tural diseases are curable by simi- 
lar artificial ones, or by such me- 
dicines as would produce them, 
and which also prescribes reme- 
dies in infinitely small doses. 

Homogeneous, of the same or 
of a uniform nature. 

Hori'zon, the line that termi- 
nates the view ; the circle that 
seems to divide the heavens from 
the earth. The term horizontal 
is therefore applied to any straight 
line which would form a right 
angle with one descending per- 
pendicularly from above. 



Horn'blende, (Geo.) a primi- 
tive rock, of a dark green or black 
colour ; the basis of basalt, and 
compound of silicia, alumina, 
lime, and oxide of iron. 

Horol'ogy, the art of measur- 
ing time. 

Horticulture, the art of 
cultivating gardens. 

Hor'tus Sic'cus, a collection 
of preserved plants. 

Hy'bridous, (Zo.) begotten 
between animals of different 
species. 

H ydraul'ics, the science which 
explains the laws and motions of 
fluids. 

Hydrocyan'ic, or Prussic 
Acid, a deadly poison, prepared 
chiefly from bitter almonds. 

Hy'drogen, an elementary 
inflammatory gas, the lightest of 
known bodies ; with oxygen gas 
it forms water, and explodes 
when mixed with oxygen, or 
atmospheric air. 

Hydrog'raphy, that part of 
Geography which describes gulfs, 
rivers, and oceans. 

Hydrom'eter, an instrument 
for ascertaining the specific gra- 
vity of different fluids. 

Hydrodynam'ics, the science 
which includes both hydraulics 
and hydrostatics. [ness. 

Hydropho'bia, canine mad- 

Hydrostat'ics, the science 



cotic secretion of much power, frequently occasioning headache and vertigo 
to those who are much in the plantations, and, in hot climates, producing 
a degree of intoxication. It is used in Oriental nations as an intoxicating 
drug, and also as an opiate. The seeds of hemp abound with a thick mu- 
cilage, which is used medicinally, and a useful oil is obtained from them 
by pressure. 

* Hieroglyphics, are picturesque representations. This being tbe 
first method adopted by mankind for recording their ideas, it was generally 
understood ; but when characters were introduced instead of pictures, 
hieroglyphics became unintelligible, and gave rise to imposition. The 
Egyptian priests still made use of them to keep the mysteries of their 
religion from the knowledge of the people ; they were thence called 
hieroglyphics, or sacred characters. 



IN LITERATURE, SCIENCE, AND ART. 



201 



which explains the weight and 
equilibrium of fluids. 

Hyge'ist, a professor of the 
healing art. 

Hypercrit'ic, one who is 
critical to a fastidious excess. 

Hypochondriac, one having 
a disordered imagination, and la- 
bouring under unnecessary fears. 

Hypothesis, a theory; or a 
principle assumed from which to 
draw certain inferences. 

Hysterics, a disease chiefly 
attacking females, often brought 
on by strong mental emotions. 

I 

Iam'bic, a metrical division of 
a line of poetry, consisting of a 
long and short syllable. 

Ich dien, signifying I serve. 
The motto of the Prince of Wales. 

Ichthyol'ogy, the natural his- 
tory of fishes. 

Ides, eight days in each month 
of the Roman calendar, beginning 
in some with the fifteenth and in 
others with the thirteenth day. 

Id'iom, a phrase having a pecu- 
liar sense in one language, but 
which, if literally transferred into 
another, would either have no 
meaning, or one wholly different. 

Idiosyn'cr as y, a peculiar con- 
stitution or temperament not 
common to another. 



Tdyl, a short Greek pastoral. 

Ig'nis fat'uus, ignited phos- 
phuretted hydrogen gas, arising 
from decomposed animal and ve- 
getable remains, occurring in 
marshy places. 

lGNi'TioN,the act of setting on 
fire; (Ch.) the application of fire 
to bodies, till they become red, 
without melting. 

Impeach'ment, (L.) a public 
accusation; a charge preferred 
in parliament against a public 
officer. [trated 

Imper'meable, not to be pene- 

Im'petus, (Me.) the force with 
which one body impels or strikes 
another. [clash. 

Imping'e, to strike against, to 

Impond'erabi.e, void of per- 
ceptible weight, as light and heat. 

Impost'hume, an abscess in the 
interior of the body. 

Impri'mis, first of all. 

Improvis'iatori, persons who 
compose and recite poetry ex- 
temporaneously. 

Incuba'tion, the process of 
hatching eggs *. 

Ijn'cubus, the nightmare; a 
sense of weight oppressing the 
breast. [country. 

Indi'genous, native to a 

In'digo, a pl-nt cultivated in 
warm climates, for the beautiful 
blue dye obtained from its leaves. 



* Incubation. — The period for hatching eggs hy the natural process at 
104; degrees is, with hens, three weeks ; with geese and ducks, a month ; with 
pigeons, eighteen days ; and with swans, six weeks. — An artificial process 
has been adopted in various parts of the world. In China, a hatching house 
for ducks consists of a long shed, with mud walls, and thickly thatched 
with straw. In this building a number of round straw baskets are placed, 
well plastered with mud to prevent them from taking fire. The bottom is 
formed of a tile, a small fire-place being below each basket. The eggs 
being placed in these baskets, and the fires lighted, the heat is duly regu- 
lated. In four or five days they are carefully examined, and the good ones 
are replaced in the basket for about ten days more. They are then spread 
out on shelves, and covered up with cotton, and a kind of blanket ; thus they 
remain for about fourteen days longer, when the young ducks burst their 
shells, and the shed is filled with living creatures. In a few days after the 

K 2 



202 



WORDS OF VARIOUS SYLLABLES, 



In'dra, the Indian Jove, or 
god of the firmament; he is thus 




represented by Indian sculptors. 

Induc'tion, a process of rea- 
soning, by which a general in- 
ference is drawn from a number 
of facts. 

Iner'tia, (Me.) the tendency 
of a body, when left to itself, to 
preserve its existing condition un- 
changed. 

Infinitesimal, in infinitely 
small quantities, [demical catarrh. 

Influen'za, a species of epi- 

Infu'sion, fCh.) the act of 
steeping in moisture without boil- 
ing. 

In 'got, a bar of gold or silver. 

Infuso'ria, the class of ani- 
malcules discovered by the micro- 
cope in stagnant water and other 
fluids. 



Injunction, (L.) a prohibit- 
ory writ, restraining from some 
act that appears against equity. 

In Lim'ine, in the very be- 
ginning. 

Inocula'tion, (Med.) the 
transplanting a disease into the 
veins of a person; or the bud of 
a plant into another stock. 

Inorgan'ic, without having 
had vitality; all material sub- 
tances not animal or vegetable 
are so designated. 

Insectiv'orous, a term ap- 
plied to creatures which feed on 
insects, [dissolved or separated. 

Insol'uble, (Ch.) not to be 

Inspis'sate, (Ch.) to thicken; 
to condense. [which it was. 

In stat'u quo, in the state in 

Intag'lio, gems or stones with 
sunk figures or inscriptions. 

In'teger, a whole, as opposed 
to a fraction. 

lNTEG'uMENT,the outer cover- 
ing of animal or vegetable bodies. 

Intercal'ary, a day intro- 
duced every fourth year into the 
calendar, as the 29th of February. 

Intercos'tal, (An.) placed be- 
tween the ribs. 

Interpolation, something 
added to, or put into the original 
matter. [place to place. 

In tran'situ, passing from 

I'odine, (Ch.) a poison of a 
black colour and metallic lustre, 
procured from burnt kelp, or sea 
weed; supposed to possess great 
powers in resolving glandular 
swellings. 

Ion'ic, (Ar.) an order inter- 
mediate between the strong Doric 
and the delicate Corinthian. 



whole are sold, and conveyed to their new quarters. In Egypt the 
hatching rooms, or ovens, for fowls, have a number of shelves or cham- 
bers, in which eggs are placed to the amount of 20,000 to 50,000, and 
the fuel used for hatching is a union of cow or camel's dung, mixed with 
straw. The number of eggs placed is about 100,000,000 in a season, but 
only about two-thirds of them are hatched. 



IN LITERATURE, SCIENCE, AND ART. 



203 



IpECACUAN'HA,arootan extract 
from which is used as an emetic. 

Ip'se dix'it, mere assertion. 

Ipso fac'to, by the fact itself. 

I'ris, the circle which sur- 
rounds the pupil of the eye; the 
rainbow. 

I'ron, a hard, fusible metal, 
found chiefly in iron stone, from 
which it is extracted.* 

I'singlass, a gelatinous sub- 
stance prepared from a fish. 

I'vory, the tusk of an elephant. 

J. 

Jal'ap, the root of a Mexican 
tree, used as a strong purgative. 

Japan'ning, the art of pro- 
ducing a highly varnished surface 
on a hard substance. 

Join'ture, (L.) a wife's sepa- 
rate estate secured by a marriage 
settlement, [every fiftieth year. 

Ju'bilee, a festival celebrated 

Jug'ular, the name of two* 
large veins, one of which lies on 
each side of the neck. 

Ju're divi'no, by divine right. 

Ju'ris-con'sult, a person 
learned in the laws. 

Jurisdiction, a district to 
which a certain authority extends. 

Jurisprudence, the science 
of law. 



K. 



Kaleidoscope, an optical in- 
strument consisting of a tube, 
with slips of glass, so arranged 
that small substances are reflected 
in an endless variety of angular 
shapes. [plant. 

Kelp, the burnt ashes of a sea 
Kid'neys, (An.) two glands, 
one on each side of the spine, 
which separate the urine from 
the blood. 



La'bials, letters pronounced 
by the lips. 

Labo'ratory, a chemical 
workshop. 

Lac, a species of resin whicli 
flows from an East Indian tree.f 

Lachry'matory, a vessel an- 
ciently used for collecting tears to 
place in the funeral urn. 

Lac'teals, vessels which con- 
vey the chyle, or prepared food, to 
the blood. 

Lam'inated, in thin parallel 
plates or layers. 

Land-slip, the movement of 
a portion of land on the side of a 
mountain or the sea-coast, in 
consequence of rains, frosts, or the 
undermining action of the sea. 



* Iron. — This metal is most widely diffused throughout nature. It is 
intermixed with various soils, and is contained in rocks and minerals, 
though very rarely in a pure state. It is sometimes dug from the eartli 
at a depth of 600 feet, where it is found lying in beds or seams, either 
near seams of coal, or in the same beds. When raised to the earth, the iron- 
stone is exposed in a suitable building to the action of an intense furnace 
beneath, the heat of which is increased to the highest degree by enormous 
bellows. The iron thus melted, runs out in a liquid stream, and being re - 
ceived in a channel formed of sand, is moulded into the desired shapes. 
By further heat, and by hammering, it is rendered malleable iron ; and by 
a still further process, it is made into steel. The substance called black 
lead, is a carburet of iron; green vitriol is a sulphate of iron; and the 
loadstone is an oxide of iron. 

f Lac. — Sticklac is the substance in the natural state, Seedlac when 
boiled in water, and Shellac when it has been melted. When a solution of 
lac is made in spirits of wine, and applied to brass, tin, and other metals, 
it is called Lacquering. It is also a principal ingredient in sealing-wax. 



204 



WORDS OF VARIOUS SYLLABLES, 



Lap'idary, one who cuts and 
polishes precious and other stones. 

Lar'board, the left side of a 
ship when the face is to the head ; 
starboard is the right. [ment. 

Lar'go, (Mu.) a slow move- 

Lar'va, the second state of 
the insect, the egg being the first. 

La'bynx, the upper cavity of 
the windpipe, by which the voice 
is formed. [tion of opium. 

Lau'danum, a liquid prepara- 

La'va, the melted compound 
of minerals and other matter that 
flows from burning volcanoes. 

Lazaret'to, an hospital for 
the reception of diseased persons. 

Lead, a metal found in mines, 
often in contact with silver.* 

Lea'ther, the prepared skin 
of animals. 

Leg'ate, a spiritual ambassa- 
dor from the Pope. 

Lega'tiojv, the body of per- 



sons composing an ambassadors 
suite. 

Le'gion, a body of Roman sol- 
diers varying from 3 to 5000 men. 

Legislature, the power of 
a state which enacts laws. 

Legit'imacy, a lawful birth; 
genuineness. 

Lens, apiece of glass, or other 
transparent substance, so formed 
as to make the rays of light mag- 
nify or diminish objects viewed 
through it. [kind. 

Len'tiLj a plant of the tare 

Le'ver, the first mechanical 
power, being nearly a straight 
line supported by a single prop. 

Leviga'tion, the process of 
grinding substances to a fine paste. 

Li'as, a species of stratified 
clay abounding in organic re- 
mains. 

Li'chen, a kind of moss. 

Lig'ament, a strong flexible 



*Lead. — This metal, after it has heen melted from the ore, is formed 
into oblong blocks, called " pigs." If it yield about ten ounces of silver in a 
ton, it is deemed worth the trouble of separating. To effect this it is put 
into a peculiar furnace, by the heat of which the lead is oxidized, and 
comes off as Litharge, leaving the pure silver behind. The litharge, being 
again heated, resumes the metallic form, and becomes refined lead. To 
make red lead, the " pigs" are reduced to a fluid mass, and continuously 
stirred up for five or six hours, till it becomes a greyish, yellow powder. 
This passes through various processes till the action of the oxygen has 
changed its colour to a fine red, when it is ground, and rendered fit for 
sale. To make white lead, the lead is melted and moulded into thin sheets. 
These sheets are placed in layers, in a suitable building, till a stack is 
formed. Fine ashes are laid at the bottom ; then a layer of tanners' spent 
bark; next a layer of earthen pots, each containing a pint of vinegar; 
then a layer of six leaden plates, and finally a covering of boards : another 
series of layers is added, and so on till the stack attains the height of about 
twenty feet. The whole is then closed up for some weeks. During this 
period fermentation ensues, and the vinegar evaporates, producing a 
chemical change upon the surface of the sheets of lead, converting it first 
into an oxide, then into an acetate, and finally into a carbonate. The stack 
is then pulled down piece-meal ; the lead is placed in a large vat of water 
and made to pass between revolving brass rollers ; the white earthy matter 
is thus crushed off, leaving the thin metallic film of blue lead. After 
much raking and stirring, the white lead is separated, and is afterwards 
ground and reduced to a paste-like state, when it is fit for use, for painting 
or other purposes. 



IN LITERATURE, SCIENCE, AND ART. 



205 



substance, which binds together 
the bones of the body. 

Light, the principle or sub- 
stance which renders objects 
perceptible. It travels 192,000 
miles in a second of time. 

Lightening, the electric fluid, 
in a state of considerable agi- 
tation, and passing visibly from 
cloud to cloud.* [or limestone. f 

Lime, a preparation of chalk 

Lin'iment, a medicinal liquid 
used as an external application. 

Lin 'seed, the seed of the flax- 
plant. J 

Lin'tel, that part of the door- 
frame that lies upon the door 
posts. 

Liquefac'tion", the state of 
being melted. 

Lith'arge, calcined lead. 

Lithog'rafky, the art of 



drawing on stone for the purpose 
of taking impressions from it. 

Lithot'omy, the art of extract- 
ing stones from the bladder. 

Liv'er, (An.) the largest 
gland of the tody, which secretes 
the bile. 

Lixivia'tion, the process of 
washing a substance in water, to 
extract from it any soluble or 
saline particles. 

Loam, a natural mixture of 
sand, clay, and silex (flint), in a 
minute state. 

Log, in Navigation, is an in- 
strument thrown over a ship's 
side, to measure the current, or 
the rate of sailing. 

Logarithms, a series of arti- 
ficial numbers for the purpose of 
expediting calculations. 

Log'wood, a flourishing tree of 



* Lightning. — The sheet lightning, whieh appears on a summer's even- 
ing, is harmless, when unattended by thunder. Forked lightning is caused 
by the sudden escape of the electric fluid concentrated in the cloud, and 
sometimes occasions injury. The most dangerous is the ball lightning, 
when the electric fluid descends in a compact stream, and seems to roll 
along the ground. This kind, however, is exceedingly rare. Lightning 
is to thunder what the flash is to gunpowder. 

f Lime, — in its native state is in the form of carbonate, and is burnt 
to disengage the carbonic acid. "When made into mortar, of one part 
water and three parts lime, it is called hydrate of lime, and being mixed 
with silica, alumina, and oxide of iron, it forms plastic cements and mor- 
tars, and afterwards imbibing carbonic acid from the atmosphere, it 
again becomes a carbonate of lime, as hard as at first; and hence its use 
in building. 

X Linseed. — This seed, when dried, produces by pressure an excellent 
paint oil. It is first bruised, and then ground into a pasty mass. If cold 
drawn oil be required, the paste is at once subjected to an hydraulic press, 
by which oil of a very fine quality is obtained, but in a very limited quantity. 
To obtain the main supply, the paste is heated before undergoing the ac- 
tion of the press. It is therefrom transferred to a heated pan, in which it 
is kept in constant motion. When heated thoroughly, it is removed and 
put into bags ; these are placed in the press in layers ; the pressure is 
then applied, and the oil is made to ooze out from every pore in the bags, 
into a receptacle prepared for that purpose. When the seed is taken out 
of the bags, it presents almost the hardness and solidity of a board, and 
constitutes the oil cake used for fattening cattle. Other vegetable oils, as 
Olive, Hemp, and Rape, are all produced from the plants bearing their 
names, and by a similar process. 



206 



WORDS OF VARIOUS SYLLABLES, 



South America, whose wood 
affords a beautiful purple dye. 

LoN'GiTUDE,the distance of any 
place from a meridian line, as any 
towns east and west of Greenwich. 

Lubrica'tion, the anointing a 
surface to diminish the effects of 
friction. In ivatchwork, a fine 
olive oil is used,— in wood, soft 
soap and black lead, in large 
machinery, oil or tallow. 

Ltj'cifer matches, those by 
which light is obtained instanta- 
neously ; some are ignited by fric- 
tion against a rough substance ; 
others ignite by contact with an 
acid. 

Luna'tion, the time between 
one full moon and the next. 

M. 

Mace, an ensign of authority : 
(Bo.) a spice obtained from a tree 
in the Molucca Islands, which 
yields nutmegs, the mace being 
the rind or covering of the nut- 
megs. 

Macera'tion, the process of 
softening bodies in fluids. 

Mac'hiavelism, a word ex- 
pressive of a policy in which cun- 
ning and artifice are considered 
as the best means to attain an 
end. 



Mack'erkl, a salt-water fish.* 

Mad'der, (Bo.) a plant from 
the roots of which a fine red dye 
is produced. 

Mad'rigal, (Mu.) a vocal 
composition without accompa- 
niment. 

Magazin'e, a place for war- 
res; also j 
cellany. 

Magne'sia, a soft, white, light 
earth, consisting of oxygen and 
a metallic base called magnesium. 

Mag'netism, that branch of 
science which treats of the pro- 
perty of attracting or repelling 
iron, displayed by the magnet or 
loadstone. 

Mag'netism (Animal,) a 
phrase applied to an influence 
said to be exercised by one animal 
body upon another, resembling 
that of the magnet. 

Maize, an Indian bread corn. 

Mala'ria, a term applied to 
the fever resulting from bad air 
in marshy places. 

Mal'leable, capable of ex- 
tension by hammering ; when 
metals can be flattened, they are 
said to be laminable; when drawn 
into wire, ductile. 

Malt, grain steeped in water, 
fermented, and dried on a kiln.f 



* Mackerel. — This fish is most abundant off the coasts of Hampshire, 
Sussex, Kent, Suffolk, and Norfolk ; they come in large shoals, and are 
taken either by the line or the net. The French adopt the line method, 
two men being able to take from 500 to a 1000 fish in a favourable day. 
The English use a drift net, made of small fine twine, with a mesh of 
about two inches and a half. In order to take a large range while fishing, 
a number of nets are attached lengthwise, and extend from three quarters 
of a mile to a mile and a half. These nets are set in the evening, and 
sometimes hauled once during the night, at others allowed to remain in the 
water all night. The fish, while moving about in the dark, are caught in 
the meshes of the net, which are large enongh to admit their heads, but 
not to allow the body to pass through. 

f Malt. — The grain generally used for making malt is barley. The 
barley is first steeped in water, for about forty -six hours. When the water 
has been drained off, it is thrown upon a stone floor, in a flat heap, called 
a couch, the thickness of which is at first about 16 inches; but this heap is 



IN LITERATURE, SCIENCE, AND ART. 



207 



Mamma 'li a, that class of ani- 
mals which suckle their young. 

Mam'moth, an extinct species 
of elephant found in a fossil state. 

Manda'mus, (L.) a writ, re- 
quiring the party to whom it is 
addressed to perform some parti- 
cular act therein expressed. 

Mandarin', a Chinese magis- 
trate or nobleman, 

Man'dible, (An.) the jaw — 
. also the name given to the upper 
and under bill of birds. 

Mangane'se, is a dull whitish 
metal, very hard, brittle, and 
difficult of fusion. Oxyde of 
Manganese is one of the materials 
from which oxygen can be easily 
obtained. 

Mange, an eruptive disease in 
animals, often caused by dirt and 
confinement, or bad and insuffi- 
cient food. 

Manipulation, a word signi- 
fying a work done with the hands ; 
also, the smaller processes em- 
ployed in chemical combinations. 

Man'na, a white sweet juice, 
or gum, of medicinal virtues, ob- 
tained from a species of ash tree 
in the south of Europe. 



Man 'or, a district granted 
originally by the Crown, over 
which the lord possesses a feuda- 
tory jurisdiction. 

Manslaughter, killing a 
person without malice, but not 
wholly without fault, [ing illness. 

Maras'mus, a species of wast- 

Marl, a species of earth, being 
a mixture of carbonate of lime 
and clay, used for enriching poor 
land. 

M as'tic, a resin extracted from 
a tree cultivated in the Levant. 

Mathematics, the science of 
magnitude and number, or what- 
ever may be measured or com- 
puted. 

Mat'rix, a mould that forms or 
imbeds bodies, or that in which 
anything is generated. 

Mauso'leum, a large tomb.* 

Maxil'la, (An.) the jaw bone. 

Max'imum, the greatest quan- 
tity, [in the vicinity of rivers. 

Mead'ow, a low piece of ground 

Mechan'ics, that science 
which treats of moving forces, 
and their practical application to 
the making of tools, engines, and 
machines. 



gradually reduced by turning it twice a day, with wooden shovels. During 
this process the grain germinates ; and when the first shoot is a quarter or 
half an inch in length, it is removed to the floor of a heated kiln, by which 
its germination is stopped, and the grain thoroughly dried, and, in some 
cases, partially roasted. By this process the barley undergoes a chemical 
change, which imparts to it a sweet quality, from whidti a spirit is extracted. 
When the malt is used for beer, it is first bruised, and the meal conveyed 
into iron vessels called mash tuns, in which hot water is poured upon it. 
After being steeped some time, and the water and the malt have been well 
stirred up together, the water containing a good deal of malt extract is 
drawn off. When all the fermentable matter has been extracted, the 
residue is used for the feeding of cattle. 

* Mausoleum. — When a magnificent tomb is erected for the purpose 
of recording the virtues of a deceased patriot or philanthropist, to excite 
their survivors to noble actions, its costliness and beauty may be productive 
of some advantage. But where it is intended merely as a token of individual 
affection, such a lavish expenditure must be lamented. Thousands are suflei - 
ing from disease and want, and that which is sometimes expended upon a 



208 



WORDS OF VARIOUS SYLLABLES, 



Medal'lion, (Ar.) a tablet 
on which are raised figures and 
ornaments ; also a large medal to 
commemorate a particular event. 

Medul'laey, a substance re- 
sembling marrow in appearance 
and consistence, such as that of 
the brain. [ber species. 

Mel'on, a fruit of the cucum- 

Mem'bbane, (An.) a web of 
fibres or tissue, enveloping the 
brain and certain internal parts of 
the body. 

Men'struum, any liquid in 
which solid bodies are dissolved or 
separated. 

Mephit'ic, noxious or poi- 
sonous, like carbonic acid gas. 

Merid'ian, a circle dividing 
the earth into two hemispheres, 
eastern and western. 



Mer'cury, or Quicksilver ; 
(Ch.) a metal which is fluid at 
common temperature, and passes 
off in vapour when greatly heat- 
ed ; it combines with many 
metals, and is soluble in numerous 
acids. 

Mes'entery, a thick mem- 
brane full of glands, lying in the 
cavity of the abdomen, by which 
the intestines are supported. 

Mesne Pro'cess, (L.) (Meen 
Process) an intermediate process 
between the beginning and the 
end of a suit. 

Mes'suage, (L.) house and 
ground set apart for domestic pur- 
poses. 

Metallurgy, the art of sepa- 
rating metals from their ores. 

Metamor'piiosis, a transfor- 



mausoleum, would serve for the erection of an hospital or an asylum. 
The mausoleum here represented is in Delhi, and was erected hy Akbar, 
to perpetuate the memory of his father, Humayoon, an emperor reigning 




over a part of India and Cabul ; and it is one among many similar memo- 
rials of departed royalty. It is of large dimensions, composed entirely of 
marble, richly ornamented with costly mosaic ; and has long excited the 
curiosity and admiration of travellers. 



IN LITERATURE, SCIENCE, AKD ART. 



209 



mation into a new and different 
shape. 

AJet'aphor, a figure of speech 
by which one object is made to 
represent another. 

Metaphys'ics, the science which 
treats of the nature and properties 
of mind or spiritual existence. 

JViETEMPSYCHo'sis,the doctrine 
of the transmigration of souls, 
from one body to another after 
death. 

Meteorol'ogy, the science 
which takes cognisance of meteors 
and of atmospheric phenomena. 

Meteor'ic cycle, or Golden 
Number, a period of nineteen 
years, in which the lunations of 
the moon return to the same day 
of the month. 

Mezzotin'to, a mode of en- 
graving on copper, by first rough- 
ing the surface ; upon this the de- 
sign is made. The effect of light 
and shade is produced by scraping 
such portions as will give the 
subject the appearance required. 

M ias'ma, noxious effluvia, whe- 



ther arising from putrefying mat- 
ter or extensive marshes. * 

Mi'ca, a mineral of a greyish 
colour (called also talc). It con- 
sists of an unlimited series of 
transparent lamina, adhering to 
each other, but easily separable 
into thin flexible plates, and is 
used as a substitute for glass. 

Mi'cROSCOPE,an opticalinstru- 
ment which greatly magnifies 
objects. 

Min'aret, a kind of spire or 
steeple, whence, in Mohammedan 
towns, the hour for general prayer 
is proclaimed. 

Mikeral'ogy, the science 
which treats of the structure, pro- 
perties, and varieties of minerals. 

Min'imum, the least. 

Mirag'e, or Fa'ta Morga'na, 
an optical deception occasionally 
seen in particular states of the at- 
mosphere, f 

Mis'sal, a mass book of the 
Church of Rome. 

Mit'timus, (L.) a warrant for 
keeping a person in custody. 



* Miasma, or Malaria. — This morbific matter is indigenous to some 
countries, and has its origin in certain peculiar conditions of the soil. 
The overflow of the Nile produces plague ; that of the Ganges, cholera; 
that of the parts situated in the tropics, yellow fever ; and in our own 
marshes, a simple intermittent. 

t Mirage. — The illusions of the mirage arise from vertical reflection, 
horizontal or lateral reflection, and suspension. In the vertical, the 
mirage presents the appearance of a sheet of water, in which objects are 
reflected and reversed as they would be in a lake. This effect was once 
peculiarly tantalizing to the French army in Egypt, under the command 
of Napoleon, when they were in great want of water. The soil of lower 
Egypt being a vast horizontal plain, the morning and evening aspect of 
the country presented nothing remarkable, but after the soil had become 
heated by the sun, the prospect was changed, and seemed as if bounded 
by a general inundation, the objects appearing to rest on islands in a 
large lake. On approaching the supposed water it appeared to recede, 
and the reflected objects to vanish. — In the horizontal or lateral reflection, 
the image is reflected sideways. At the lake of Geneva a bark was seen 
in the distance approaching the town by the left bank of the lake, and at 
the same moment there was seen above the water an image of the sails, 
which in place of following the direction of the bark, receded from it, 
and seemed to approach Geneva by the right bank of the lake, the image 



210 



WORDS OE VARIOUS SYLLABLES, 



Mnemonics, the art of assisting 
the memory by artificial rules. 

Mo'lars, the grinder teeth. 

Molas'ses, the fluid residuum 
of sugar after it has been re- 
fined. 

MoLLUs'cA,that class of animals 
whose bodies are soft, and are nei- 
ther furnished with skeletons nor 
with articulated coverings; though 
some of them, as the snail, have 
shells attached to their system. 

Mon'ologue, a scenic speech 
uttered by one person. 

Monoma'nia, madness upon 
one point or ruling idea. 

Mor'phia, the narcotic prin- 
ciple of opium. 

Mort'gage, (L.) a security for 
money borrowed. 

Mort'main, (L. ) land which is 
unalienable. 

Mosa'ic, a species of inlaid 
work, in which various coloured 
substances, cut into squares, are 
arranged in cement, so as to imi 
tate the effect of painting. 

Mu'riates, ( Ch. ) a name given 
to salts, formed by the combina- 
tion of any base with muriatic acid, 
of which muriate of soda (easily 



obtained from common sea- salt) 
is an example. 

Mu'cilage, a solution of gum 
or of any tenacious fluid. 

Mu'cus, a viscous animal fluid, 
secreted in the body to moisten 
the mucous membrane. 

Muriat'ic Acid, (spirit of 
salt) a strong acid. Its consti- 
tuents are chlorine and hydro- 
gen. 

' Muscles, bundles of fibres, 
constituting the flesh of animals, 
by the contractions and dilations 
of which the bones are moved, 
and the organic functions of life 
performed. There are in man 
201 muscles, or pairs of muscles. 

Mussel, a shell fish. 

Muse'um, a repository of curio- 
sities. 

Myrrh, the resinous gum of a 
tree growing in the East. 

Mythol'ogy, the fabulous his- 
tory of the gods of Greece and 
Rome. 

N, 

Nai'ades (Bo.) plants thatin- 
inhabit ponds and rivulets : also 
the name for fresh water shells. 



sailing from east to west, while the bark was sailing from north to south. — 
The phenomenon called suspension, or looming, was observed on the river 
Tigris, in the plain of Bagdad. The surface of the river was beautifully 
illuminated by the moon, and its waters appeared raised to an extra- 
ordinary- height above the level of the desert. As the dawn advanced, the 
phantom river sank entirely from sight. — The most remarkable instance 
of the Fata Morgana is at fteggio, in Italy. In certain conditions of the 
atmosphere, a person standing on an eminence in the city, with his back 
to the sun and his face to the sea, sees upon the water what appears to 
him io be numberless series of pilasters, arches, castles, columns, towers, 
splendid palaces, villages, plains with herds and flocks, men on foot and on 
horseback, all passing rapidly in succession on the surface of the sea. In 
other states of the atmosphere, the same objects are seen in the air, though 
less vividly, and if the weather be hazy, the objects are fringed with the 
colours of the rainbow. — It often happens that the phenomenon of the 
vertical mirage is combined with that of suspension, so as to shew in the 
air both a direct and an inverted image of the object, the latter being 
undermost. — All these phenomena depend on the different density of the 
lower strata of the air, occasioned either by heat or moisture. 



IN LITERATURE, SCIENCE, AND ART. 



211 



Naph'tha, a mineral oil or 
fluid bitumen ; it is obtained chief- 
ly from coals. 

Narcot'ic, a property of medi- 
cine which allays pain by produc- 
ing a stupifying effect on the 
nervous system. 

Nau'tilus, a genus of marine 
animals having a shell of a spiral 
form ; one species is furnished with 
two arms united by a membrane, 
which it extends as a sail, while 
with two other arms it rows or 
steers. Another species inhabits 
a beautiful shell, divided into 
thirty or forty chambers. 

Nave, (Ar. ) the central division 
of a cathedral church, extending 
from the west end to the choir. 

N aviga'tion, the art of sailing, 
or conducting a vessel on the ocean. 

Neb'ulje, certain bright spots 
in the heavens, now understood 
to be clusters of stars.* 

Necropolis, literally, " the 
city of the dead," a name bes- 
towed on cemeteries. 

Nec'tary, that part of the co- 
rolla of flowers in which the ho- 
ney-dew is accumulated. 

Ne'ophyte, a new convert or 
proselyte. [the utmost extreme. 

Ne plus ul'tra, no further, 

Neu'tral Salts, (Ch.) those 
salts in which the antagonist ef- 
fects of both acid and alkali coun- 
teract each other. 

Nerves, white medullary 
cords, which pass in pairs from 
the brain and the spinal marrow, 



as instruments respectively of sen- 
sation and volition. They spread 
over the body like fine net work. 
Nick 'el, a metal, in its na- 
tural state associated with cobalt. 
It is of a white colour, and very 
difficult to melt ; with copper and 
zinc it forms the alloy called Ger- 
man Silver. 

Ni'trates, those salts which 
are formed of nitric acid {aqua 
fortis) and various bases. 

N i'tre, the usual name given to 
the nitrate of potass, or salt-petre. 
Ni'trogen, or Azote', a gas 
which, when separated from oxy- 
gen, is fatal to animal life. It is 
disengaged from all animal and 
many vegetable substances, and 
will extinguish flame. 

Ni'trous, (Ch.) partaking 
of nitre. The termination ous 
serves to designate the smaller 
proportion of oxygen, and ic the 
greater', as, sulphurows and sul- 
phuric acid. 

Nom'ade, living a wandering 
life, like the pastoral tribes. 

Nomenclature, a dictionary 
giving the technical language 
peculiar to an art or science, such 
as a chemical or mineralogical 
nomenclature. 

Non Conductors, in Elec- 
tricity, are those substances 
through which the electric fluid 
passes with difficulty, such as 
glass, resin, sulphur, silk, hair, 
wool, &c, but they become elec- 
tric by friction. 



* Nebula. — On a clear evening, there is a luminous band which 
stretches across the sky from horizon to horizon; it is known as the " Milky 
Way." This remarkable belt has always maintained the same relative si- 
tuation among the stars, and when examined through powerful telescopes, 
is found (wonderful to narrate) to consist entirely of stars, scattered by 
millions, like glittering dust, on the dark ground of the expansive firma- 
ment. There are clusters of stars which are not apparent to the naked 
eye, but require telescopes to resolve them into clusters, and even with 
their aid are only visible as faint cloudy patches of light. There are some 



212 



WORDS OF VARIOUS SYLLABLES, 



Nones, the seventh days of 
the months of March, May, July, 
and October, and the fifth of the 
other months. 

Non est inventus, not to be 
found. 

Non Se'quiter, it does not 
follow. 

Non 'suit, (L.) the dropping a 
suit on the discovery of an error or 
defect when the matter is ready 
for the verdict of a jury. 

Non 'plus, inability to do or say 
more pertinently. 

Nor'roy, or north roy, in He- 
raldry, one of the two provincial 
Kings at Arms, whose jurisdiction 
lies on the north side of the Trent ; 
that of Clarencieux is on the south. 

Nosol'ogy, a methodical ar- 
rangement or classification of 
diseases. 

Nos'trum, a medicine secretly 
compounded. 

No'tary, a person whose busi- 
ness it is to note and protest bills 
of exchange, and to attest written 
documents. 

Nu'cleus, the kernel of a nut: 
any originating centre around 
which other things accumulate. 

Numismat'ics, the science 
which treats of coins and medals, 
more especially of ancient ones. 

Nuncupative, a term applied 
to testamentary acts expressed 
verbally, and not put into writing. 
Nuta'tion, a motion of the 
earth's axis, inclining it to the 
ecliptic twice a year. 



0. 

Oak'um, old ropes untwisted 
and reduced to hemp. 

Oa'sis, the name of a fertile 
spot in the midst of a sandy desert. 

Ob'elisk, a high solid pillar of 
stone, having four sides, and less- 
ening towards the top. It is of 
Eastern origin, and was probably 
erected in honour of the sun, and 
used as a means of determining 
the sun's altitude, and regulating 
the time of worship. 

O'bit, a funeral ceremony, or 
office for the dead. [dead. 

Obit'uary, an account of the 

Ob 'late, flattened, or short- 
ened ; in geometry, the term is 
applied to such a figure as that 
of the earth, in which the diame- 
ter at the poles is less than at the 
equator. [ties. 

Ob'sequies, funeral solemni- 

Observ'atory, a building 
fitted up for astronomical observ- 
ations. 

Occip'ital, placed in the 
hinder part of the skull. 

Occulta'tion, the obscuration 
of any celestial body, by the in- 
terposition of the moon or other 
planet, between it and our eye. 

O'chre, a species of earth, 
combined with iron, and of vari- 
ous colours; it is of great value 
to painters. 

Oc'tagon, a figure of eight 
sides and angles. 

Octa'vo, a sheet of eight leaves 



nebulous appearances which remain unchanged, even when viewed through 
the best telescopes yet constructed; and science is constrained to pause 
at their magnitude and distance. The knowledge of these facts should 
enlarge our ideas of the universe. And how great should be our admira- 
tion of the Divine power, when we consider the magnitude of those stars 
which are perceptible to the naked eye ; and remember that He who 
created all things, preserves them with wisdom, aud rules them with 
merciful goodness. 



IN LITERATURE, SCIENCE, AND ART. 



213 



or sixteen pages, or books so di- 
vided into sheets. 

Octen'nial, lasting or occur- 
ring every eight years. 

Octogen'ary, of eighty years 
of age. 

Oc'ultst, one who professes 
to cure disorders of the eye. 

Ode, a lyrical poem, conveying 
an outburst of vivid feeling. 

Of'fertory, the act of offer- 
ing; the place where alms are 
offered in a church. [water. 

Off'ing, the open sea; deep 

Oleag'enous, oily, unctuous. 

Olfac'tory Nerves, the pair 
of nerves which proceed from 
the brain to the nose, having the 
sense of smelling. 

Oligarchy, a form of govern- 
ment where power is in the hands 
of a few. 

Ol'ive-tree, an evergreen 
common in the south of France, 
Spain, and Italy, and esteemed 
for its fruit, which contains a 
great quantity of oil. 

Olym'piad, a Grecian period 
of four years, at the commence- 
ment of which games were held 
for five days at Olympia, from 
the year 776 B.C. to 440 A.D. 

Om'ega, the last letter of the 
Greek alphabet. 

Omnipotence, the Almighty 
unlimited power of God. His 
infinite duration and continual 



presence is omnipresence ; and 
his inconceivable knowledge and 
skill, is omniscience; 

O'jmus Probandi, the burden 
of proving what has been alleged. 
Oo'lite, (Geo.) a species of 
limestone. 

Opa'city, want of transparency. 
Ophthal'mia, inflammation 
of the outer covering of the eye- 
ball and eyelids. 

O'pium, the concentrated juice 
of the white poppy, cultivated 
chiefly in India and Arabia. 

Opodel'doc, a solution of soap 
and camphor in spirits of wine, 
used as a liniment. [ e y e - 

Opthal'mic, belonging to the 
Op'tics, the science which 
treats of light and colours, and 
the construction of suitable in- 
struments for assisting vision. 

Op'timism, the doctrine which 
holds all to be for the best in the 
existing system of things. 

Orato'rio, a kind of sacred 
drama, generally selected from 
the scriptures, and set to music. 

Oii'ACLE,an object or place sup- 
posed to be the abode of superna- 
tural wisdom.* 

Or'bit, (As.) the line described 
by the revolution of a planet 
round another body. 

Ores, (Mi.) metals in their 
mineral state, and usually com- 
bined with other substances. 



* Oracle. — A knowledge of future events is an attribute of God alone, 
and all information concerning the future must be derived from bis authority. 
Such, however, is the tendency of mankind to explore futurity, that art- 
ful persons have, in all ages and countries, put forth pretensions to this 
knowledge, and have derived wealth and influence from their unfounded 
presumptions. Among the ancients, the most celebrated Oracles were, 
those of Apollo, at Delphos, and of Jupiter Ammon, at Thebes. In these 
cities splendid buildings were erected, to command for their deities the 
respect and fear of the multitude. So extended was the belief in their fore- 
knowledge, that Kings and States consulted them before undertaking im- 
portant enterprises, and rich gifts were presented as a reward for the infor- 
mation imparted. The responses of the oracles were delivered in a variety 
of ways. At Delphos they were at first given in verse ; but in process of 



214 



WORDS OF VARIOUS SYLLABLES, 



Organ 'ic, a term used to dis- 
tinguish the animal and vegetable 
kingdoms from the mineral, 
being applied to every thing 
which possesses or has possessed 
organs. 

Ornithol'ogy, the natural 
history of birds. 

Or'piment, (Mi.) a compound 
of sulphur and arsenic. 

Or'rery, a machine for repre- 
senting on a small scale the 
motions of the heavenly bodies. 

Orthog'raphy, the art or prac- 
tice of accurate spelling. 

Oscilla'tion, the act of mov- 
ing backward and forward; a 
vibration. 

Ossifica'tion, (An.) the 
change of membraneous or car- 
tiliganeous substances into bone. 

Osteol'ogy, (An.) a descrip- 
tion of the bones. 

Ostracism, a manner of pass- 
ing sentence adopted by the 
Athenians, in which each citizen 
marked upon a shell either an 
acquittal or a condemnation. 

Ova'tion, a species of triumph 
or triumphant procession. 

O'verture, a commencement, 



whether for a negociation, or a 
dramatic entertainment. 

Ovip'arous, a term applied to 
such animals as produce the young 
from the egg. Viviparous are such 
as bring forth their young alive. 

Oxal'ic, an acid of a strongly 
poisonous character, most readily 
obtained by the action of nitric 
acid upon sugar. 

Ox'ides, combinations of oxy- 
gen with metallic and other bases. 

Ox'ygen, (Ch.) that gas in the 
atmosphere which is needful to 
life and combustion ; thus named 
because it communicates acidity 
to many of its combinations.* 



Pab'ulum, (Bo.) the food of 
plants, chiefly carbon ; also fuel. 

Pago'da, the Indian name for 
a temple of peculiar structure 
which contains an Idol. 

Pal'atdne, possessing royal 
privileges; it is applied to cer- 
tain English counties which have 
separate jurisdictions. 

Pal'ette, the board upon 
which a painter spreads his 
colours. 



time, the imperfect style of the versification, emanating from such an autho- 
rity, excited the ridicule of the more intelligent people, and the oracle, to 
preserve its influence, wisely changed the manner of its answers into sim- 
ple prose. At the oracle of Ammon, the priest pronounced the response 
from the hollow of an oak-tree. At Memphis, in Egypt, they drew either 
a good or bad omen, according as the ox-god, Apis, received or rejected 
what was presented to him. In some places, where the answers were given 
by lot, a kind of dice was adopted, on which certain characters or words 
were placed, whose explanation the applicants were to seek on tables made 
for the purpose. Indeed, there has been no folly too gross for the feeble- 
minded and superstitious to practise, in order to obtain a knowledge of the 
future ; and the history of the world unquestionably^proves, that all preten- 
sions to such knowledge are based on weakness or ignorance. 

* Oxygen — is one of the two gases which form water, and one of the 
two which compose atmospheric air. It is essential to animal life, being 
absorbed by inspiration into the blood, and is the great supporter of 
combustion. It forms compounds of all kinds — gaseous, fluid, and solid ; 
it is found in the material world in unnumbered shapes, and is the most 
energetic, in its chemical agencies, of all the elements of matter. ' 



IN LITERATURE, SCIENCE, AND ART. 



215 



Pal'isade, (For.) an enclosure 
of sharp pointed stakes set firmly 
in the ground, to protect an open 
place. 

Palma'ted, (Bo.) those leaves 
which resemble the palm of the 
hand in shape. 

Palm'istry, a pretended for- 
tune-telling by the lines of the 
hand. 

Panace'a, a universal medi- 
cine. 

Pan'dect, a treatise that com- 
prehends the whole of any science. 

Pan'ei, (L.) the names of such 
persons as the sheriff provides to 
act as jurors. In Scotland, panel 
denotes the prisoner at the bar. 

Panora'ma, a large painting 
upon a circular surface, so con- 
trived that a spectator may have 
a complete view of the objects 
represented. 

Panthe'ism. a religious theory 
in which the universe was con- 
sidered the supreme God. 

Panthk'on, a heathen temple 
dedicated to all the gods. 

Pan'tomime, a scenic repre- 
sentation in dumb show. 

Pa'per, a fibrous substance, 



chiefly made from linen and 
cotton rags. 

Papy'rus, an Egyptian reedy 
plant, the leaves of which were 
anciently used as a substitute for 
paper. 

Parachu'te, a large umbrella- 
shaped machine, by means of 
which persons have descended 
from balloons. 

Parhk'i.ion, (As.) a mock or 
reflected sun, produced by pecu- 
liar conditions of the atmosphere. 

Par'allax, (As.) a change in 
the apparent situation of any 
heavenly body, as viewed from 
diffarent places on the earth. 

PAr'allels, lines continuing 
their course, and still preserving 
an equal distance from each other. 

Parallelogram, a four-sided 
figure whose sides are parallel. 

Parasit'ical, a fawning 
hanger on : (Bo.) it is applied to 
those plants found attached to 
others, or dependent upon them, 
as the ivy and misletoe. 

Parch'ment, the skins of sheep 
prepared for writing upon. 

Pari'a, an outcast Hindoo 
tribe, doomed to perform all kinds 



* Paper. — The manufacture of Paper, which was formerly very simple, 
has latterly become an operation employing a great amount of capital, and 
affording occupation and the meaus of living to many thousands of men, 
women, and children. — When the rags arrive at the paper mill, they are 
first sorted, to remove buttons and all extraneous substances, and to beat 
out as much of the dust and dirt as possible ; they are then boiled in a 
strong alkaline solution, to remove the grease : after which they are taken 
to the rag engine, where they are exposed to the action of a roller driven by 
considerable power, a stream of water passing through them until it runs 
clear. This operation reduces them to something like tow ; in this state they 
are bleached, which process is effected in various ways, chlorine being the 
bleaching agent in all of them. The stuff is next beaten to a fine pulp, and 
then it is ready for the " machine," on which it is made into paper. It 
passes, first, over an endless wire gauze, and then along a felt, through a 
series of rollers which press out the moisture ; and, on machines of the 
most improved construction, it is sized, dried over cylinders filled with 
steam, and even cut into sheets : it is afterwards sorted by women, who 
throw out the defective sheets. The whole paper is then pressed, counted 
into quires, tied up in reams, and after being charged with the duty, is 
ready for the market. 



216 



WORDS OF VARIOUS SYLLABLE! 



of degrading work, and even pre- 
vented from entering a temple of 
the superior castes. 

Parliament, the three estates 
of King, Lords, and Commons. 
The Lords consist of about 400 
hereditary Peers, and 26 Bishops; 
and the Commons of 658 mem- 
bers. Of these 253 are chosen 
by counties; 399 by cities, bo- 
roughs, and towns, and 6 by uni- 
versities. England returns 471 ; 
Wales, 29; Scotland, 53 ; Ire- 
land, 105. 

Par'ody, a composition in 
which the words of an author are 
by a slight change made to ex- 
press a different sense. 

Par'ricide, one who destroys 
his father. 

Parturi'tion, the state of 
being about to bring forth. 

Pas'quinade, a lampoon or 
satirical verse, so called after Pas- 
quin, a witty cobler of Rome, to 
whose statue people were ac- 
customed to affix satirical verses. 

Pass'over, a religious festival, 
which the Jews were commanded 
to keep as an ordinance for ever*. 



Patel'la, the knee cap, or 
small bone in front of the knee- 
joint. 

Pathol'ogy, a minute descrip- 
tion of diseases. 

Patronym'ic, expressing the 
name of a father or patron. 

Pedom'eter, an instrument for 
measuring distances walked. 

Pel'licle, a thin skin, such as 
that found inside an egg-shell. 

Pen'dulum, (Mu.) any weight 
so hung that it may easily swing 
backward and forward, its oscilla- 
tions being always performed in 
equal times. 

Pejj'guin, a web-footed birdf. 

Penin'sula, a '.piece of land 
nearly surrounded by the sea. 

Peniten'tiary^ prison where 
the inmates are employed, with 
a view to their reformation. 

Pen'tograph, a machine for 
reducing or enlarging drawings. 

Pen'tateuch, the first five 
books of the Old Testament. 

Penum'bra, an imperfect sha- 
dow. 

Percola'tion, (Ch.) purifica- 
tion or separation by straining, 






* Passover. — This festival was instituted to commemorate the deli- 
verance of the Jewish people from Egypt, where they had been in bondage 
for a period of 400 years : and its observance has been continued to the 
present time with most remarkable fidelity. Whether the Jews have 
existed as a powerful nation, or have been scattered abroad as individuals, 
— whether they have been in riches, or in poverty, — whether in honour, or 
subject to insult, or bitter persecution, they have still gloried in their 
name, and under every variety of circumstances to which a people could 
be subjected, the Passover has been annually observed by them during a 
period of 3500 years. Thus, the observance of this festival has become 
a living memorial to the truth of the Bible history, and a proof that God 
has indeed made known his will unto the children of men, by mighty 
signs and wonders. 

f Penguin. — This strange bird is a native of the colder seas of the 
Southern hemisphere, and is most abundant in the Straits of Magellan 
and the adjacents islands, as also in Australia and the islands of the 
South Pacific. It is about three feet high, and its colours are beauti- 
fully disposed and contrasted. The general plumage is short, close, 
glossy, compact, and waterproof. The bill is long and slender, and some- 
what bent at the tip. It is unable to fly, having only paddle wings, with 
short, scale-like feathers, regularly disposed. In resting it assumes an 



IN LITERATURE, SCIENCE, AND ART. 



217 



Peren'nials, plants whose 
roots vegetate during many years. 

Perforation, making a hole 
through any substance. 

Pericarp, the fruit or seed- 
vessel of plants. 

Pericar'dium, the membrane 
enclosing the heart. 

Pericra'nium, the membrane 
enclosing the skull. 

Per'igee, (As.) that place in 
the orbit of any celestial body 
which is nearest the earth. 

Perihe'lion, that point of the 
orbit of any planet at which it is 
nearest to the sun. 

Perios'teum, (An.) the mem- 
brane covering the bones. 

PERiPH'ERY,the circumference ' 
or boundary line of any regular | 
curvilinear figure. 



Peripatet'ics, a sect of phi- 
ters who disputed while 
walking in the Lyceum at Athens. 

Perspective, the science by 
which objects are represented on 
a plain surface, according to their 
appearance in their actual situa- 
tions. 

Periph'rasis, the use of many 
words to express the sense of one. 

Perito'n^um, the membrane 
encircling the intestines. 

Perora'tion, the winding up 
of an oration. 

Per se, by itself. [flower. 

Pet'al, (Bo.) the leaf of a 

Petrifac'tion, a term applied 
to vegetable and animal material 
which has become changed into 
stone by long exposure to im- 
pregnation from earthy substan- 



upright attitude, somewhat like that of a dog which has been taught to sit 
up. It has short legs, on which it can move only at a slow and awkward 
pace ; the toes are webbed, and the insteps short and stout. Penguins are 



\\\\\\\W\ \*, 




admirably qualified for living in water ; they urge their bodies forward with 
great velocity, and can dive to a considerable depth, and for a long period. 
They rarely visit the land, except during the breeding season, when they 

L 



218 



WORDS OF VARIOUS SYLLABLES, 



ces : they are more or less altered 
according to the strata in which 
they are placed. 

Petro'leum, a species of fluid 
bitumen or mineral oil, flowing 
from beds associated with coal 
strata. 

Pew'ter, an alloy of 80 parts 
of tin and 20 of lead ; the liner 
sort has a slight mixture of cop- 
per and antimony. 

Phal'anx, a very close and 
compact body of soldiers. 

Phantasmago'rta, optical il- 
lusions, arising from a particular 
application of the magic lantern. 

Pharmaceutics, the science 
of preparing drugs for medical 
purposes. 

Pharmacopce'ia, a work of 
authority which describes the 
mode of preparing drugs. 

Phenomenon, any remarkable 
appearance, whether of common 
occurrence or otherwise. 

Philanthropy, the love of 
mankind. 

Philol'ogy, that branch of 
literature which comprehends a 
knowledge of the etymology 
and combinations of words, and ' 



whatever relates to the history 
of language. 

Philos'ophy, literally the love 
of wisdom or knowledge. 

Phlebot'omy, the operation of 
bleeding or opening a vein. 

Philoma'thes, a lover of 
science. 

Phon'ics, the science which 
takes cognizance of sounds. 

Phos'phates, (Ch.) salts form- 
ed by the combination of any 
base with phosphoric acid. 

Phosphorescence, a feeble 
light emitted by certain animal 
and vegetable bodies, unaccom- 
panied by heat. The light of the 
glow-worm exemplifies the mean- 
ing of this term. 

Phos'phorus, a singular sub- 
stance which exists abundantly 
in the mineral kingdom, and in 
several parts of animals, from the 
bones, &c. , of which it is obtained. 
In a damp atmosphere, and at 
common temperatures, it emits a 
white smoke, which in the dark 
appears luminous. 

Photogen'ic, a mode of draw- 
ing similar to the Daguerreotype. 

Phrenol'ogy, a science which 



congregate in great numbers. A traveller describes one colony of these 
birds, which, he says, covered an extent of more than thirty acres. 
During the day and night thirty or forty thousand were continually land- 
ing or going to sea. They formed themselves into regular ranks, the 
young being in one situation, the moulting birds in another, the sitting 
hens in a third, and the rest in similar order. The females lay but one 
egg each, which they hatch by keeping it close between their thighs, the 
male bird going to sea and collecting food for them during the period of 
incubation. After the young is hatched, both parents fetch food for it, till 
it becomes so fat as scarcely to be able to walk, while the old birds 
get very thin. The flesh of these birds is of a strong fishy taste, and is 
therefore not much esteemed as food. 

The natural enemies of Penguins are the fox and the vulture, and 
against these they can defend themselves ; when human beings have 
gone among them they have appeared fearless, and have tamely stood to 
be shot at, without attempting to escape. The Penguin tenants only 
those sea-girt places which are uninhabited by man ; and at some distant 
period when these islands are occupied by the human race, like the 
Dodo, they may become totally extinct. 



IN LITERATURE, SCIENCE, AND ART. 



219 



considers the character of men to 
be determined by the magnitude 
and figure of the brain ; the front 
parts being classed as intellectual, 
the middle as sentimental, and the 
hind parts as governing the ani- 
mal propensities. 

Phylac'tery, a bandage in 
which is inscribed some memo- 
rable text or sentence. 

Phys'ics, the science which 
comprehends the whole study of 
nature, including physiology and 
natural history. 

Physiog'nomy, the study of 
character as indicated by the 
features of the face. 

Physiol'ogy, the science which 
treats.of the functions and proper- 
ties of living bodies, animal and 
vegetable ; their relations, and the 
dependency of their various parts. 

Pi'a-Ma'ter, (An.) a thin 
vascular membrane which covers 
all the folds of the brain. 

Piaz'za, a covered walk or 
portico, under a roof supported by 
arches. 

Pla'giarist, one who pilfers 
the written ideas of others. 

Plain 'tiff, (L.) the person 
who commences a suit. 

Plan'isphere, the projection 
of the circles of a sphere on a 
plane surface, as in the case of 
maps of the world and of the hea- 
vens. 



Plas'tic, any thing capable of 
being moulded like clay into 
some required shape. 

Plati'na, or Plati'num, a me- 
tal, one of the heaviest bodies in 
nature.* 

Ple'onasm, a redundancy of 
words to express one idea. 

Plet'hora, a state of the body 
in which the vessels are filled 
with humour, or surcharged 
with blood. 

Pleu'risy, inflammation of the 
membraneous covering of the 
lungs, indicated by an acute pain 
in the side. 

Plumba'go, (Ch.) carbon in 
an impure state ; named also black 
lead, or graphite. 

Pneumat'ics, (nu-mat-ics) the 
science which treats of the me- 
chanical properties of atmospheric 
air and other elastic fluids. 

Pnetjmo'nia, inflammation of 
the lungs. 

Polar'ity, the inclination of 
any substance towards the pole. 

Polarisa'tton of Light, a 
changed state of light, in which 
it exhibits the property of polarity, 
when acted upon by certain 
mediums. [courses. 

Polem'ics, controversial dis- 

Pol'len, the fructifying pow- 
der or farina of plants. 

Polyg'amy, the custom of hav- 
ing several wives. 



* Platinum. — This metal is 21 times heavier than water, gold 
being only 19 ; it is of a white colour ; malleable, ductile, tenacious, and 
unalterable in the air. It cannot be melted or dissolved, but by difficult 
and peculiar processes. In consequence of its posessing these qualities, 
it is of great use in making various chemical vessels -for concentrating 
sulphuric acid at some works, platinum stills are used which have cost 
many thousand pounds, its value being considerably greater than that 
of pure silver. This metal is principally procured from South America, 
being found in the same alluvial soil from which the chief part of the 
gold of New Grenada is obtained. For a long period its value was un- 
known, and in separating the grains of gold, it was thrown away with 
the sand and pebbles as perfectly useless ; it is only within recent date 
that its importance has been ascertained. 



220 



WORDS OF VARIOUS SYLLABLES, 



Pol'yglot, a book in various 
languages, generally ranged in 
parallel columns. 

Poi/ype, or Pol'ypus, a species 
of living creatures of the zoo- 
phyte class, which propagate by 
stems or buds : when they are cut 
into pieces, each piece becomes a 
perfect animal, living in water, 
and fixed at one end to some sub- 
stance. Myriads of them reside 
in small cells of corals, in form like 
plants. 

Polytechnic, a name given 
to institutions wherein many 
sciences are taught; also to scien- 
tific exhibitions of a varied de- 
scription. 

Polythe'ism, the belief in 
many gods. 

Por'phyry, a very hard and 
beautiful stone, of a variegated 
red colour, having a multitude of 
granular and crystalline parts, 
and capable of receiving a fine 
polish. 

Portcul'lis, (For.) a machine 
like a harrow, hung over a gate- 
way, to be let down in case of 
surprise, when the gates could 
not readily be shut. 

Por'tico, (Ar.) a sheltered 
place supported by columns. 

Port'land Stone, a compact 
kind of sandstone, composed of 
a coarse grit, cemented by an 
earthy spar. 

Pos'itive, a term which, in 
electricity, signifies a quantity 
greater than natural. Negative 



electricity is expressive of the op- 
posite condition. 

Post-date, to date after the 
real time. 

Pos'tern, (For.) a small gate. 

Pos'tulate, a point assumed 
as self-evident without proof. 

Pot'ash, a vegetable alkali*. 

Potas'sium, a metal pro- 
cured by passing a galvanic charge 
through vegetable alkali. 

Pragmat'ic, meddling, offi- 
cious, assuming business without 
invitation. 

Pra'irie, the name of mea- 
dow-grounds in America. 

Pratiq'ue, a license to enter 
ports after performing quarantine, 
or exhibiting proofs of health. 

Precip'itate, (Ch.) to fall to 
the bottom, as a sediment in che- 
mical solutions. [time. 

Preco'cious, ripe before the 

Predicate, in Logic, is that 
part of a proposition, in which 
something is affirmed, or denied. 

Prescription, a custom con- 
tinued until it has the force of 
law ; a medical receipt. 

Pri'ma fa'cijE, on the first 
view of any thing. 

Primogeniture, seniority ; 
the state or privilege of being first- 
born. 

Prio'ri, or, a priori, a reason- 
ing from cause to effect; a pos- 
teriori, when from effect to a 
cause. 

Prism, in optics, a triangular 
glass body used for separating 



* Potash. — This substance is inherent in vegetables, from which it is 
obtained by burning them, lixiviating their ashes, and afterwards 
concentrating the lixivium which contains the alkali, by boiling it, and 
leaving it to crystalize. In North America, where the forests are of 
great extent, the timber is burnt into a crude potash, called "black 
salts," which is afterwards purified into pot or pearl ashes. The beech, 
the maple, the locust tree, and every species of hard wood, will serve to 
form a pile of logs, from the ashes of which the black salts may be ex- 
tracted. 



IN LITERATURE, SCIENCE, AND ART. 



221 






rays of light, in their passage 
through it. 

Procurator, (L.) one who 
transacts business for another. 

Progen'itor, an ancestor in 
a direct line. 

Programt^ma, or Programme, 
an advertisement which gives a 
detailed account of a lecture, ex- 
hibition, or performance. 

Projec'tile, (Me.) a body put 
in motion by an external force. 

Pr,oloc'utor, the foreman; 
the speaker of a convocation. 

Prq'logue, the introduction 
to any discourse or dramatic per- 
formance. 

Propagand'ism, a term de- 
rived from the court of the pro- 
paganda at Rome for disseminat- 
ing their faith. In France, the 
revolutionary societies took the 
name. [proposed plan. 

Prospec'tus, an outline of a 

Pro tan'to, for so much. 

Pro tem'pore, for the time. 

Prothon'otary, (L.) the head 
registrar of a court of justice. 

Pro'tocol, the first draught 
of a diplomatic agreement or 
treaty. [a corporate body. 

Prov'ost, (L.) the chief of 

Prunes, dried plums. 

Pseu'do, (su-do) a prefix de- 
noting false or counterfeit. 

Psychology, (sy-col-o gee) 
the doctrine of the soul, as con- 
tradistinguished from anatomy, 
the science which describes the 
body. [drink. 

P'tisan, (tiz-zan) a medical 



Pul'monary, of or belonging 
to the lungs. 

Pum'ice Stone, vitrified lava, 
or cinder, the result of volcanic 
eruptions, entirely devoid of iron. 

Pun'dit, a Brahmin versed in 
Hindoo learning. 

Pu'pa, the chrysalis state of 
an insect, intermediate between 
the worm and the fly. 

Pur'suivant, a state messen- 
ger, an attendant on the heralds. 

Putrefac'tion, the last stage 
of the fermentary process of ani- 
mal and vegetable matter. 

Pyri'tes, sulphur combined 
with metals. 

Pyrolig'neous, an acetic acid 
produced from wood, which pre- 
serves substances from decompo- 
sition *. 

Pyrotech'ny, the art of mak- 
ing fireworks. 

a. 

Quad'rant, the fourth part, or 
quarter, of a circle . 

Quaes'tor, the officer who had 
charge, of the public treasury in 
ancient Rome. 

Quar'antine, a period of re- 
straint, formerly forty days, to 
which ships' crews were subjected, 
on a presumption of infection. 

Quartz, a siliceous, crystal- 
line rock, one of the constituents 
of granite. 

Quas'sia, a bitter root. 

Qui t am, (L.) an action brought 
for the sake of a penalty. 

Quid pro quo, a term which 



*PyroligneousAcid. — The woods which are'mostly used for this purpose 
are the birch and the beech. The wood is placed in retorts similar to those 
used in gas works, and the retorts being heated, the acid passes off by a 
pipe connected with them. As it passes through, it cools, and is col- 
lected in a vessel at the extremity. A retort which will hold 8 cwt. 
of wood, will yield 35 gallons of impure acid, which has a strong burnt 
smell. It is sometimes rectified by a second distillation, when it is sold 
as household vinegar, and for numerous other purposes. 



222 



WORDS OF VARIOUS SYLLABLES, 



denotes the giving of a thing of 
value for an equivalent. 

QuiNiN'E,a bitter alkaline body, 
extracted from Peruvian bark ; it 
is used as a tonic in the form of 
a sulphate. 

Quo'rum, such a number of 
persons as are considered compe- 
tent to form a committee to 
transact public or official business. 

Quotid'ian, an intermittent 
fever, of which the fit occurs 
once every day. 

Quo war'ranto, (L.) a writ 
demanding the title of parties who 
claim to hold exclusive rights and 
privileges. 

R. 

Radia'tion, expanding from a 
centre, like the spokes of a wheel : 
(Ch.) the direct emission of calo- 
ric in straight lines from a heated 
body. 

Ra'dius, the semi-diameter of 
a circle, or a line drawn from the 
centre to the circumference. 

Ra'dix, a root; a primitive 
word, from which others are de- 
rived. 

Rain'bow, a semicircle of va- 
rious colours,appearing in showery 
weather, and caused by the reflec- 
tion of the sun's rays by falling 
drops of rain. 

Rais'ins, grapes perfectly ripe, 
and dried in the sun or an oven. 

Ra'madan, a fast kept by the 
Mahometans in the ninth month 
of the Arabic year. In the course 
of thirty years this fast occurs at 
every season, as the Mahometan 
month is lunar. 

Rancid'ity, a change which 
oil and fat undergo by exposure. 
It is caused by the union of the 
oxygen of the air with the hydro- 
gen of the oil or fat. 

Rarefac'tion, the extension 
of the parts of a body, by which 



it occupies a larger space without 
the accession of new matter. It 
is opposed to condensation. 

Ra'tio, relative quantity ; the 
proportion of one thing to an- 
other. 

Ra'tion, the proportion of 
food a soldier is allowed for a 
day's sustenance. 

Rationa'le, a detail explain- 
ing the principles of some opinion, 
action, or phenomenon. 

Ratiocination, the art of 
reasoning. [tion. 

Rec'ipe, a medical prescrip- 

Recog'nizance, (L.) a bond 
or obligation to appear under a 
penalty. 

Recitativ'e, a kind of musi- 
cal composition, or chaunt, in 
which the accentuations of com- 
mon speech are imitated. 

Rect'angle, a right angle, or 
angle formed by two sides which 
are perpendicular to one another. 

Rectilin'ear, consisting of 
right or straight lines. 

Rec'tum, the terminating sec- 
tion of the intestines. 

Refec'tory, a room for eat- 
ing, or refreshment, [ing back. 

Reflection, the act of throw- 

Refrac'tion, the change in 
the direction of light in its pas- 
sage from one medium to another. 

Rega'lia, ensigns and orna- 
ments of sovereignty. [race. 

Regat'ta, a boat or yacht 

Reg'imen, (Med.) a course of 
diet or living, regulated by me- 
dical rules. 

Relie'vo, or relief, the pro- 
minence of figures in sculpture 
or carving, [appointed meeting. 

Rendezvous, (ron-da-voo) an 

Rep'ertory, a place of depo- 
sit, a treasury. 

Replev'in, (L.) a writ to stop 
a distress warrant. 



IN LITERATURE, SCIENCE, AND ART. 



223 



Repub'lic, a state in which 
the sovereign power is lodged in 
the representatives of the people. 

Res'in, an inflammable sub- 
stance, which exudes from trees 
of the pine class.* 

Res'onance, (Mu.) along and 
reflected sound. 

Respira'tion, the act of 
breathing. [work. 

Retic'ulated, made of net- 

Ret'ina, a membrane of the 
eye, formed by the expansion of 
the optic nerve, and constituting 
the immediate organ of vision. 

Rever'berate, to drive back, 
to echo. 

Reversion, (L.) the right 
which a person has to any inherit- 
ance or place of profit after the 
decease of another. 

RHAp'soDY,(rap-5o-c?ee) a col- 
lection of sentences without ne- 
cessary dependence or natural 
connection. 

Rhet'oric, the art of speak- 
ing with propriety, elegance, and 
force. 

Rho'dium, a white metal pro- 
cured from the ores of platinum. 

Rhom'boid, a four-sided figure, 
of which the opposite sides and 
angles are equal, but which is 



neither equal- sided nor right- 
angled. 

Rhu'barb, a valuable medi- 
cinal root, the stems of which are 
much used in pastry. 

Rhyme, (ryme) agreement of 
sound ; the measured division of 
time in music, or in versification. 

Rit'ual, a book in which the 
rites and ceremonies of religion 
are set down. 

Roden'tia, (Zo.) gnawing 
animals, such as the hare, rabbit, 
rat, and mouse. 

Ron'deatj, a species of short 
poem with few rhymes, in which 
the sense of the opening line is 
repeated, or nearly so, at the close. 

Ro'sary, a string of beads for 
numbering prayers. 

Round-Rob'in, a mode of ad- 
dressing or petitioning, in which, 
to prevent any one subscriber 
from seeming more forward than 
another, the names are subscribed 
within a circle. 

Rub'ble, stones rubbed and 
worn round by water. 

Ru'bicon, a pillar in the envi- 
rons of Rome ; also a river, f 

Ru'brics, directions given in 
the book of Common Prayer. 

Ru'nic, the title of the cha- 



* Resin. — The resins are secretions of plants ; they are first in a fluid 
state, but become solid, either by the evaporation of their more volatile parts, 
or by the absorption of oxygen. They cannot be dissolved or mixed except 
with spirits or oil, and by this they are distinguished from gums, which 
may be dissolved in water. When %, large portion of oil is present, the 
resins are in a fluid condition, and they are then called turpentine. 

f Rubicon. — The expression, "passing the Rubicon," is now used 
metaphorically, to describe the act of a person who, having passed some 
prescribed boundary, seems fully prepared to proceed more daringly. 
The words were originally applied to Julius Caesar, who, while pursuing 
his conquests as a Roman general, became a candidate for the office of Con- 
sul. The Senate of Rome, acting under the influence of Pompey, passed a 
decree, requiring Csesar first to relinquish his command of the army, and 
come as a private person. Caesar marched his troops to the banks of the 
Rubicon, a small river which divided Italy from Cisalpine Gaul. Here 
he found that he had to decide between his duty to the laws of his country, 
and his ambition for personal power; for if he crossed the river with his 



221 



WORDS OF VARIOUS SYLLABLES, 



racters and language of the an- 
cient Scandinavians. 



Sabbat'ical, resembling the 
Sabbath. Every seventh year in 
the Jewish economy was termed 
sabbatical, because the lands rest- 
ed without tillage, and nature 
had its Sabbath. 

Sac/charine, having the chief 
qualities of sugar. 

Sacgharom'eter, an instru- 
ment for ascertaining the quantity 
of sugar in fermented liquors. 

Sa'cerdotal, belonging to 
the priesthood. 

Sa'go, a nutritious substance 
extracted from the pith of the 
eastern palm tree*. 

Sal'amander, a harmless rep- 
tile of the lizard species. 

Sali'va, spittle, the fluid se- 
creted by certain glands, and 
mixed with the food during mas- 
tication. 

Sa'lient, in Heraldry, spring- 
ing out, as with a quick motion. 

Saliq'ue, the law of those states 
which exclude females from the 
throne. 

Salt, (Ch.) every compound 
formed by the combination of 
acids with alkalies, earths, and 
metallic oxides, is called a salt. 
Common salt is a compound of 
chlorine and sodium. 

Saltpe'ire, a salt of an acrid 



in various Ores, 



taste, found 
earths, &c. 

Sal'vage, (L.) the allowance 
made to those who have been in- 
strumental in saving a ship or 
cargo. 

Sal'vo, a reservation, an ex- 
ception, an excuse. 

Sanguifica'tion, (Ph.) the 
conversion into blood of the ma- 
terials which are digested as food. 

San'hedrim, the chief council 
among the Jews, consisting of 
seventy elders, over whom the 
high priest presided. 

Sans'crit, the ancient or dead 
tongue of Hindostan. 

Sap'phic, a species of ancient 
verse, consisting of four lines, 
and named after Sappho. 

Sarcoph'agus, an ancient 
stone coffin, which, according to 
Pliny, had the power of destroy- 
ing the corpse within forty days. 

Sat'ellites, small planets re- 
volving round larger ones, as the 
moon round the earth. 

Saturna'lia, an ancient feast, 
in which no distinction of rank 
was observed ; slaves were the 
reputed masters during the three 
days it was celebrated, and they 
were then at liberty to act as 
they pleased. 

Sau'rian, (Zo.) reptiles of 
the lizard species. 

Savan'na, an open meadow or 
plain without wood. 



army, he must expect to be denounced as a traitor. When duty demand- 
ed prompt obedience, he hesitated, and while he paused he became the 
victim of his ambition. He resolved to cross, and thus bade defiance to the 
consequences of a civil war, which he knew must arise from this determi- 
nation. — The Rubicon, was, also, a name given to a pillar in the environs 
of Rome, at which every one was required to put off his armour, and if he 
did not comply, though he passed it ever so little, he was prevented from 
retreating, and was immediately secured as a rebel and an enemy to his 
country. 

* Sago — is obtained from a tree of the palm kind, growing in the East. 
The tree being felled, it is split lengthwise, and the pith with which it 



IN LITERATURE, SCIENCE, AND ART. 



225 



Sca'gliola, an imitation of 
marble*. [cal operations. 

Scal'pel, a knife used in surgi- 

Scam'mon y, a Syriac gum, of a 
bitter acrid taste and nauseous 
smell. 

Scar'ify, to make incisions or 
punctures in the skin. 

Sched'ule, (Shed-ule) an in- 
ventory or statement of effects. 

Schist, rocks having a tenden- 
cy to split ; they are of a slaty or 
clayey kind. [natory notes. 

Scho'liast, a writer of expla- 

Scintilla'tion, the act of 
sparkling, [things superficially. 

Sci'olist, one who knows 

Scrof'ula, a disease of the 
glandular system. 

Secre'tion, (Ph.) the process 
by which the various fluids of the 
body are separated. 

Secun'dum art'em, accordirjg 
to the rules of art ; distinguished 
from secundum naturam, which 
is according to the course of na- 
ture. 

Sed'atives, medicines which 
diminish animal energy. 

Sel'enite, (Mi.) a foliated or 
crystalised sulphate of lime, hav- 
ing a silvery lustre. 

Sen'eschal, an ancient office 
of French origin, answering to 
that of steward or bailiff. 

Senso'rium, the seat of sense, 
or organ of sensation. 



Septic, anything that pro- 
motes putrefaction. 

Sep'tuagint, a Greek version 
of the Old Testament, so called 
because the translation was ef- 
fected by seventy Jewish inter- 
preters, [or notched like a saw. 

Ser'rated, something jagged 

Se'rum, a thin and transparent 
fluid, which smooths the various 
joints of the human frame; the 
watery part of the blood. 

Sequestra'tion, (L.) taking 
a thing in controversy from both 
parties, until the right be de- 
termined. In Scotland the word 
is equivalent to bankruptcy. 

Se'pia, a colour much used in 
drawing, prepared from a secre- 
tion of the cuttle fish. 

Ser'vitor, a scholar at Oxford 
who attends on other students for 
his maintenance ; at Cambridge 
he is called a sizar. 

Se'ton, (An.) an issue pro- 
duced on the body ; the skin is 
taken up with a needle, and the 
wound is kept open by a twist of 
silk or hair. 

Seta'ceous, .(Bo.) bristly; set 
with strong hairs. 

Shal'lot, a species of onion. 

Shek'el, an ancient Jewish 
coin, or standard weight. 

Sher'iff, an officer to whom 
is intrusted the execution of the 
laws. 



abounds, is dried, and reduced to a powder resembling meal. This powder 
is placed in a large sieve, and the finer particles passed through with water ; 
it is afterwards made into a paste, dried, and rendered fit for use. 

* Scagliola. — This composition is prepared from the purest gypsum, 
which is first broken into small pieces, and after being calcined is re- 
diiced to powder or plaster of Paris. It is then passed through a fine sieve, 
and mixed with Flanders glue, isinglass, &c. In this state it is mixed up 
with colouring matter of the hue required; and as it is generally employed 
for the imitation of veined marble, the different shades are mixed up sepa- 
rately. Thus prepared, it is applied to the intended surface. The next 
operation is smoothing, and giving it a fine polish ; a durable lustre may 
be then obtained equal to that of the finest and most highly polished marble. 



226 



WORDS OF VARIOUS SYLLABLES, 



Shrine, a case in which some- 
thing sacred is deposited. 

Sib'yls, in Rome, were women 
who pretended to be endowed 
with a prophetic spirit. 

Sid'ereal, pertaining to the 
stars. 

Si'enite, a compound, granular, 
greyish-tinted rock, named from 
Syene, in Upper Egypt. 

Sil'ica, or Silex, the earth 
which constitutes the bulk of the 
primitive rocks, as flint, rock 
crystal, agate, and other stones. 

Sil'ver, a white metal, ten 
times heavier than water; and, 
next to gold, the most malleable. 

Si'mony, trafficking in sacred 
things, or church preferments. 

Simultaneous, at the same 
time, or together. [time. 

Si'ke di'e, for an indefinite 

Si'ne-qua-non, something in- 
dispensable. 

Si'necure, a salaried office 
without labour . 

Si/phon, a bent tube from 
which the air is extracted, for 
the purpose of raising fluids. 

Siroc'co, the south-east or 
Syrian wind, very injurious in 
the Levant. 

Smelt'ing, the art of melting 
applied to metals, in order to 
separate them from the ore. 

Soap, a compound of fat and 
alkalies. * 

So'da, the basis of sea salt ; 
a term commonly applied to the 
carbonate of soda. 



So'dium, a metallic base of 
soda. 

Soi-disa'nt, (soa-de-xaung) 
pretended, or self-styled. 

Sol'vent, (Ch.) any liquid 
which will dissolve substances. 

Solu'tion, that which contains 
any thing dissolved. 

Sol'stice, (As.) the two pe- 
riods at which the sun enters the 
tropics of Cancer and Capricorn, 
which are the 2 1st of June and 
the 21st of December, the longest 
and shortest days in the northern 
hemisphere. 

Somnam'bulism, the act or 
phenomenon of walking during 
sleep. 

Sona'ta, (Mu.) an instrumen- 
tal composition. 

Soporif'ic, any thing produc- 
tive of sleep. 

Sopra'no, (Mu.) the highest 
vocal part. 

Spar, (Mi.) crystallized salts 
of lime ; the term is applied to 
minerals which have a shining 
lustre. [ing-glass. 

Spec'ulum, a mirror, or look- 

Spermace'ti, a white substance 
principally obtained from the oil 
found in the head of several spe- 
cies of whale. 

Spi'nal Mar'row, a continu- 
ance of the nervous matter of the 
brain through the vertebrae of 
the back. 

Spontaneous Combus'tion, 
(Ch.) a burning without any ap- 
parent external agency, f 



* Soap. — The white or curd soap is made chiefly from tallow and soda, 
but for some particular purposes from olive oil and soda ; yellow soap is 
composed of tallow, resin, and soda, to which some palm oil is occasionally 
added ; mottled soap is made from tallow, kitchen stuff, and soda ; soft 
soap is generally prepared from fish oil and potash. There is also a brown 
soap made from palm oil and resin. 

f Spontaneous Combustion. — Vegetable substances, when imperfectly 
dried or closely packed together, will sometimes burst into a flame. This 
has been the case with hay, with foul linen, with old or oily sacks or rags, 



IN LITERATURE, SCIENCE, AND ART. 



227 



Sta'dium, an ancient measure 
corresponding to a furlong. Also 
a race-course, and ground for 
athletic exercises. 

Stalac'tites, drippings of 
water impregnated with lime *. 

Stan'naries, courts of justice 
in the mining districts of Devon 
and Cornwall. 

Statis'tics, a science com- 
prehending every thing connected 
with the wealth, resources, popu- 
lation, condition, and employ- 
ments of a country. 

Ste'arine, the solid constitu- 
ents of oil and tallow. 

Stenog'baphy, short hand, or 
the art of abbreviated writing. 

Ste'reotype, a solid plate cast 
from a plaster impression of a 
page composed of moveable 
types. 

Steth'oscope, a tubular instru- 
ment for the discovery of disease 
in the chest; one end is placed 
on the patient's breast, and the 
other to the physician's ear, the 



slightest motions of the heart and 
lungs are thus made audible. 

Stim'ulant, an excitation to 
increased action. 

Stipek 'diary, one who per- 
forms services for a settled com- 
pensation. 

Stratification, the process 
by which substances of the earth 
have been arranged in layers or 
beds, called strata. Stratified 
rocks are supposed to have been 
subjected to the influence of water, 
but unstratified rocks to be more 
or less volcanic in their origin. 

Stuc'co, a plaster, composed of 
lime, sand, whitening, and pulver- 
ized marble. 

Styp'tics, medicines or appli- 
cations which check bleeding. 

Sub-acid, (Ch.) containing 
acid in a smaller degree. 

Subja'cent, lying under. 

Subpce'na, (L.) a writ com- 
manding attendance in court. 

Sub silek'tio, in silence. 

Sublima'tion, (Ch.) the pro- 



and with similar articles. But there have been also several instances of 
the spontaneous combustion of human bodies. An eminent surgeon states one 
of a woman named Clues, aged 52, who was much addicted to intoxication. 
For about a year, scarcely a day had passed in which she did not drink half- 
a-pint of some strong spirituous liquor. She was confined to her bed by 
the jaundice, and had a woman to wait upon her, but was often left alone. 
One morning a smoke was seen issuing from the window, and some neigh- 
bours broke into the room. Between the bed and the chimney they found 
the remains of the unfortunate Clues ; one leg and a thigh were still entire, 
but there remained nothing of the skin, the muscles, or the viscera. The 
bones of the upper part of the body were entirely calcined, and covered 
with a whitish efflorescence. The walls of the room and every thing in it 
were blackened, and there was a very disagreeable odour ; but nothing 
except the body exhibited any strong traces of fire. The cases of this 
awful termination of existence have been confined to those who have drunk 
very large quantities of spirituous liquors, and are supposed to have been 
occasioned by an ignition of the phosphoric acid, which forms a large con- 
stituent of the bones, and of many of the secretions of the human body. 

* Stalactites. — These curious petrifactions are generally found in 
caverns in limestone rocks, and are formed by the action of water. When- 
ever water filters through such rocks it forms a drop, the moisture of which 
is soon evaporated, leaving a small circular plate of pure lime, or chalk. 
Another drop succeeds, and adds, from the same cause, a fresh coat of 



228 



WORDS OF VARIOUS SYLLABLES, 



cess of volatilising or distilling a 
dry substance by heat. 

Substra'tum, the under stra- 
tum or layer of soil. 

Succeda'neum, any thing serv- 
ing as a substitute. 

Suc'culent, (Bo.) such plants 
as have a juicy or soft stem. 

Sudorif'ics, medicines which 
promote perspiration. 

Su'gar, the juice of a cane 
growing in the East and West 
Indies. 

Su'i gen'eris, of its own kind. 

Sulphu'ric, (Ch.) the name 
of a powerful acid (oil of vitriol) 
which is composed of sulphur and 
oxygen, and forms many salts 
called sulphates. 

Sulp'haies, (Ch.) salts formed 
by the union of sulphuric acid 
with different bases. 



Stri'ated, streaked or marked 
with lines. 

Superincum'bent, lying on 
! the top of some other object. 

Supersedeas, (L.) a writ to 
stay, or suspend any process. 

Sup'purate, in Surgery, to 
generate pus or matter. 

Syl'labus, an abstract, or the 
heads of a discourse. 

Synchronism, a word express- 
ing the simultaneous occurrence 
of two events. [swoon. 

Syn'cope, a fainting fit or 

Syn'onyme, a word having the 
same signification as another 
word. 



Tableau'x, a term applied to 
groups so arranged as to produce 
a picturesque effect. 



solid matter. These successive additions in time form irregular projections 
from the roof, from which they depend precisely in the same way as do sta- 
lactites of ice, or icicles. "When the drops of water succeed each other 
rapidly, some of them fall to the ground, where, by a similar process, they 
rise upwards, but in less regular forms. When these processes are unin- 




terrupted, they increase till they unite, and thus form natural pillars, appa- 
rently supporting the roof. They also assume a variety of fantastic shapes. 
— The representation here given is of the Grotto of Antiparos, a small 
Greek island, where are several of these natural caverns. The roofs, floors, 
and sides, are entirely covered with incrustations of alabaster, of the most 
dazzling whiteness, and assuming an almost endless variety of singular 



IN LITERATURE, SCIENCE, AND ART. 



229 



Talc, a semi-transparent mine- 
ral, composed of silica, magnesia, 
and lime ; it is sometimes used as 
a substitute for glass. 

Tal'mud, the Jewish, book of 
the oral law, of great antiquity, 
and containing many Jewish tra- 
ditions*. 

Tam'arind, a West Indian 
tree, producing a rich pulpy fruit, 
growing in pods. 

Tan 'gent, a straight line which 
touches a curve, without passing 
through it. 

Tan'nin, a bitter astringent 
principle in oak-bark, galls, and 
various other substances, used in 
the tanning of hides. 

Tar an 'tula, the largest of 
European spiders, the bite of 
which was once held to be venom- 
ous, and curable only by dancing 
to music. 

Tar'iff, a list or table of prices, 
applied to the custom-house and ex- 
cise duties chargeable upon goods. 

Tautol'ogy, the needless repe- 
tition of the same words or ideas 
in speech or writing. 



Tax'idermy, the art of pre- 
paring and preserving specimens 
of animals. 

Teeto'talism, total abstinence 
from intoxicating liquors. f 

Tel'egraph, a machine to com- 
municate intelligence between 
distant places. 

Tel'escope, an instrument 
through which distant objects are 
viewed. 

Tem'ple, a place for worship J. 

Tew 'dons, (An.) sinews or liga- 
ments, by which the joints are 
moved. 

Terra'queous, composed of 
land and water. 

Ter'tian, an ague, of which 
there are two fits every three 
days. 

Ter'tiary, (Geo.) a word 
which denotes the later forma- 
tions in the earth's crust. 

Tes'selated pavement, a 
pavement of coloured stones in 
regular or figured forms. 

Testa'cea, (Zoo.) those ani- 
mals which have a strong thick 
shell, as oysters. 



forms ; sometimes rising in splendid columns to the very roof, sometimes 
suspended thence in alabaster icicles, and sometimes covering the surface 
with very picturesque groups. 

* Talmud. — These writings consist of two distinct parts ; 1. The 
Mishna, in which are preserved the oral or traditional laws of the Jews, 
with definitions and illustrations ; and 2. The Gemara, a supplement to 
the Mishna, composed of legal expositions, casuistical discussions, histo- 
rical sketches, scientific fragments, legends, anecdotes, moral treatises, wise 
sayings, and other various productions of the Rabbins, from a very early 
period down to the close of the fourth century of the Christian era. 

f Teetotalism. — The word " Teetotal" is a provincial expression, and 
of Lancashire origin. It has the force of a double affirmative. Applied 
to total abstinence, it means thorough, entire abstinence, in contradistinc- 
tion to the partial abstinence practised by some persons. The first Tee- 
total Society was formed at Preston, in Lancashire, in 1833, and Societies 
to promote the practice have since been formed in almost every part of the 
kingdom, and every part of the globe. 

X Temple. — In idolatrous nations the places devoted to religious wor- 
ship are adorned with figures intended as visible representations, or sym- 
bols, of those gods, so called, which are the objects of their adoration, 



230 



WORDS OF VARIOUS SYLLABLES, 



Tes'tudo, (Zoo.) the amphi- 
bious, or tortoise tribe of animals. 

Tet'anus, (An.) a spasmodic 
contraction of the muscles usu- 
sally called locked-jaw. 

Tet'rarch, a Roman governor 
of the fourth part of a province. 

The'ism, the doctrine of the 
existence of a God; opposed to 
atheism. 

Theoc'racy, a government 
immediately superintended by 
God, as was that of the Israelites 
before the time of Saul. 

Theol'ogy, is the study or sci- 
ence of religion. 

THE'oREM,in logic,\s a position 



laid down as an acknowledged 
truth; in Mathematics, it is a 
speculative proposition, deduced 
from several definitions compared 
together. [tice. 

The'ory, speculation/not prac- 

Therapeu'ttcs, a study of the 
symptoms of disease and its va- 
rious remedies. 

Ther'mal, equivalent to warm 
or tepid, the term is assigned to 
mineral waters so characterised. 
Thermal rocks are formed by the 
agency of hot springs. 

Thermom'eter, an instrument 
for measuring heat by means of a 
graduated scale of degrees. 



and the architecture of their temples is of a corresponding character. 
Our engraving presents a structure -which contains a colossal figure of 
Buddha, situated at Iritchengur, in Bengal, which is the resort of numer- 
ous pilgrims. It stands on the summit of a lofty precipice, and the 
ascent is in some parts formed hy steps cut in the rock itself, to assist 
the approach of devotees. The most 
splendid part of the temple is the 
gateway, which is very lofty, leading 
into a handsome vestibule, and is 
surmounted by a square pyramidal 
tower, richly embellished with tracery. 
On each side of the gateway is a 
high and strong wall, built of huge 
masses of granite, which are fitted so 
accurately as to bear comparison 
with a piece of cabinet 

work. The prospect from - — . 

this temple over the sur- 
rounding country is most 
magnificent and delight- 




ful. The portico is a fine specimen of early Hindoo architecture ; its roof 
is supported on eight square massy columns, variously decorated. The 
interior of this sanctuary is comparatively plain, and presents no particular 



IN LITERATURE, SCIENCE, AND ART. 



231 



The'sis, a theme or proposi- 
tion advanced and maintained 
by illustration and argument. 

Tic Do'loureux, a disease in 
the nerves of the face, causing a 
shooting or darting pain. 

Tobac'co, an herbaceous plant 
growing in warm countries, con- 
taining an acrid and narcotic 
poison. 

Ton'ics, medicines which in- 
crease or restore the healthy tone 
of the human system. 

Topog'raphy, a description of 
particular places. 

Tor'refaction, (Mi.) the ope- 
ration of roasting ores; also 
roasting drugs on a metallic sur- 
face till they are reduced to the 
state required. 

Toxicol'ogy, that which relates 
to the investigation of poisons. 

Transition, (Geo.) the term 
applied to those parts of the 
earth's crust, which are supposed 
to have been arranged when the 
earth was passing from the unin- 
habitable to the habitable state. 

Tran'sept, the cross aisle of a 
cathedral or church, extending 
ftom north to south. 

Trape'zium, a geometrical fi- 
gure having four unequal sides. 



Traves'tie, a burlesque imita- 
tion of grave writing. 

Trepan'ning, an operation in 
Surgery by which the skull is per- 
forated. 

Tri'dent, the three forked 
sceptre of Neptune, the fabled 
god of the sea. 

Trig'onometry, the art of 
measuring the sides and angles of 
triangles. 

Trituration, the reduction 
of substances to powder by rub- 
bing or grinding. 

Trium'virate, a coalition or 
concurrence of three men. 

Tu'bercles, (Bo.) little knobs 
or rough points on the leaves of 
certain plants. 

Tur'meric, an East Indian 
root used in making yellow dyes. 

Tur'pentine, a resinous sub- 
stance procured from the different 
species of the pine and fir*. 

Tus'can, (Ar.) the simplest, 
but most massive, of the five 
orders. 

Tym'panum, (An.) the drum 
of the ear. 

Ty'phus, a species of continued 
fever of a contagious nature, and 
marked by a tendency in the sys- 
tem to putrefaction. 



features to arrest attention. The number of pilgrims who resort to this 
place is very great, and the privations which they frequently endure in 
their journey to it, exhibit a devotional zeal worthy of a nobler cause 
and a more enlightened faith. 

* Turpentine. — That wbich is collected in the mountain valleys be- 
tween France and Savoy, is called Venice turpentine. The full grown 
larches are pierced with an auger in different places, beginning at three or 
four feet from the ground, and mounting gradually to ten or twelve. The 
holes are made in a slanting direction, in order that the turpentine may 
flow out the more readily, care being taken not to penetrate to the centre 
of the tree. In the holes thus perforated, a small gutter is introduced, and 
the other end of it is placed in a small bucket or trough, to receive the tur- 
pentine as it exudes. Every morning and evening the buckets are exa- 
mined, and those which are full are replaced with empty ones. This pro- 
cess is continued from May to September, during which time a full grown 
larch will yield about seven or eight pounds of turpentine, which requires 
no other preparation to render it fit for sale than straining it through a 



232 



WORDS OF VARIOUS SYLLABLES, 



Typography, the art of print- 
ing. 

U. 

Ubiq'uity, existence in all 
places at the same time. 

Ulig'inous, slimy, muddy. 

Ultra 'mundane, beyond the 
world. 

Ultramarin'e, a fine "blue co- 
lour prepared from the mineral 
called lapis lazuli. 

Umbil'ical, of or pertaining 
to the navel. 

Una vo'ce, with one voice, 
unanimously. 

Ure'ters, (An.) two small ca- 
nals from the kidney to the blad- 
der. 

Under- writer, one who in- 
sures a ship or its cargo at a cer- 
tain rate per cent. 

Unipa'rous, (Zoo.) bringing 
forth only one at a birth. 

U'nivalve, a shell of one piece, 
as those of a periwinkle, or snail ; 
the inhabitant possesses a head and 
organs of motion, of which the 
bivalves (oysters, muscles, &c.) 
are destitute. 

U'niversity, an establish- 
ment under public authority for 
a liberal education. 

U'sury, an extortionate re- 
quirement for the use of money. 

Utilitarians, a name given 



to those who estimate all things 
by their degree of usefulness in 
promoting "the greatest happi- 
ness of the greatest number." 



Vac'cination, the operation 
of introducing cow-pox matter 
into the human body, as an anti- 
dote against the small-pox. 

Vac'uum, vacuity, or space 
supposed to be unoccupied by 
matter. 

Va'de me'cum, a manual, or 
book, that a person is supposed 
constantly to carry with him. 

Valve, a moveable lid or cover 
to an aperture, which, in a steam 
engine, opens and allows the steam 
to escape when the pressure is 
raised beyond a certain degree. 

Vas'cular, (An.) pertaining 
to the vessels of animal or vege- 
table life. 

Vat'ican, the palace at Rome, 
containing the library collected 
by successive popes. 

Ve'das, the name of the four 
sacred books of the Brahminical 
Hindoos. 

Venesec'tion, blood letting, 
or the opening of a vein. 

Ventila'tion, the introduc- 
tion of air into any place. 

Ventril'oqtjism, an art or 
practice of speaking, by means of 



coarse hair cloth to free it from impurities. The common turpentine is 
yielded by the Carolina pine of America. A cavity is there made in the 
tree at a few inches from the ground, to hold about three pints ; and in 
order to convey the turpentine into the cavities, oblique gutters are cut, by 
which means they are generally filled in three weeks. Continued rains check 
the flow of the sap, and even close the apertures, therefore in cold damp 
weather very little turpentine is procured. The products of the pine and 
fir are of five kinds. The turpentine, or the juice of the living- tree ; the 
resin, or solid residue obtained from the turpentine ; the tar, the juice of 
the dead tree ; the pitch, or residue of the tar ; the lamp-black, or soot ob- 
tained by burning any of them. The turpentine is brought to this country as 
a thick fluid mass, and is separated into a solid (resin), and a liquid (oil of 
turpentine), by a process of distillation carried on at the turpentine works. 



IN LITERATURE, SCIENCE, AND ART. 



233 



which the voice is made to ap- 
pear as if proceeding from differ- 
ent places. 

Ven'tricle, (An.) any small 
cavity in an animal body, as in 
the heart or brain. 

Ve'nue, (L.) a place where an 
action is laid. 

Ver/degris, an acetate of cop- 
per, from which a green pigment 
is prepared. 

Ver'juice, a strong acid, ob- 
tained from vine leaves and un- 
ripe fruit. [to worms. 

Vermic'ular, of or belonging 

Vermil'lion, a bright and 
beautiful red colour, prepared 
from mercury. 

Ver'tebr^e, the series of bones 
which form the spine, back-bone, 
or vertebral column of animals, 
and sustain the trunk or head. 

Ver'tebral, having verte- 
brae.* 

Ves'icle, a small part of the 
outer skin inflated ; a blister. 

Ves'tibule, the porch or hall 
of a house, or antichamber. 

Ve'terinary, pertaining to 



the knowledge of the external 
form and internal structure of the 
horse and other quadrupeds. 

Vi'aduct, a carriage way, 
raised or arched over lower 
grounds. 

Viat'icum, ample allowance 
for a journey. In the Church of 
Rome, an appellation given to the 
Sacrament when administered to 
persons at the point of death. 

Vica'rious, delegated, acting 
in the place of another. 

Vice'roy, one who governs in 
place of the king, with regal au- 
thority. — The Latin word vice is 
used as a prefix, to denote one 
who performs, in his stead, the 
office of a superior, as vice-chan- 
cellor, vicegerent, and vice-ad- 
miral. 

Vi' et arm'is, (L.) the violent 
commission of any trespass or 
crime. 

Vil'lus, (Bo.) covered with 
down or soft hair, like velvet. 

Vin'egar, a dilute acetic 
acid, obtained by various ferment- 
ations.f 



* Vertebral animals — are red blooded, with a brain, and a spinal 
chord ; — invertebral animals are such as have no spine, are white blooded, 
and are destitute of a vertebrated column or back bone. 

f Vinegar — is obtained from wine, malt, sugar, and wood; the best is 
made in France from the poorer sorts of wine. In England, vinegar is 
usually procured from ground malt mashed in warm water. When the 
hot water has acted on the malt, and been well stirred with it, the liquor 
is called wort ; this, during the process of cooling, has a little yeast intro- 
duced into it while undergoing fermentation. The liquor is afterwards 
transferred to casks kept in heated rooms. The process of acetification 
is assisted by introducing into the casks what is called rape, which is the 
refuse from the makings of British wine, or some low-priced raisins. Some- 
times the wort is transferred into casks kept in the open air, the bung- 
holes of which are left open, or loosely covered with a tile. Both these 
processes have their advantages, and the effect is the same. If the vinegar 
is acetified in the field, it is made in the Spring, and then left exposed 
several months ; when it is accomplished in a room, the time is greatly 
reduced. After the vinegar has attained its greatest degree of acidity, it 
is rendered clear and fit for use, either by subsidence, or the employment of 
isinglass. 



234 



WORDS OF VARIOUS SYLLABLES, 



Virtuo'so, one skilled in an- 
tique or natural curiosities. 

Vis'cera, (An.) the contents 
of the abdomen and thorax. 

Vis iner'tia, denotes the ten- 
dency of bodies to remain in their 
actual condition. 

Vit'reous, a term signifying 
glassy; it is applied to the soft 
pellucid humour filling the fore- 
parts of the eye. 

Vitrifica'tiojst, the act of con- 
verting into glass by heat. 

Vi'va Voce, byword of mouth . 

Vivap'irous, (Zoo.) a term 
applied to animals which bring 
forth their young alive, as op- 
posed to such as lay eggs. 



Vol'atile, (Ch.) having the 
power to pass off by spontaneous 
evaporation ; easily dissipated by 
heat. [scroll. 

Vol'ute, (Ar.) a kind of spiral 

Volca'no, (Geol.) a burning 
mountain, or eminence, from 
which ignited and melted matters 
are cast forth. 

Vox Dei, the voice of God. 

Vox Populi, the voice of the 
people. 

Vul'gate, the name given to a 
Latin translation of the Bible 
from the Greek Septuagint; it 
is the only one acknowledged by 
the Church of Rome to be 
authentic. 



* Watch Tower. — Watch towers and lighthouses had their origin in 
humane desire to warn mariners of the dangers to which they were ex- 
posed from neighbouring rocks and 
quicksands. One of the most ancient 
was that erected by Ptolemy Soter in 
the Isle of Pharos, near Alexandria, 
about 300 years before Christ. This 
was a large building composed of fine 
white marble, one hundred and thirty- 
five feet high, on the top of which fires 
were constantly maintained, for the 
direction of ships upon the coast. It 
was accounted one of " the seven 
wonders of the world," and is said to 
have cost a sum equal to about 
€330,000, English money. The most 
celebrated light-houses of modern 
times are that on Bell- Rock, opposite 
to the Frith of Tay j and that on the 
Eddystone Rocks, opposite to Ply- 
mouth Sound. Such light-houses not 
only intimate the danger of approach- 
ing the coast, but, by the colour of the 
light which they exhibit, or by the 
lights revolving, or appearing only 
for a given number of seconds at 
each appearance, acquaint mariners 
with the place in which they are situ- 
ated. The mode of lighting is mostly 
by placing an argand burner in the 
focus of a parabolic reflector ; the number and the arrangement of reflec- 
tors depending on the light being fixed or revolving. 




IN LtTERATUREj SCIENCE, AND AST. 



235 



w. 

VVacke, (Geo.) a siliceous 
earth, between clay and basalt. 

Wa'pentake, a division of a 
county. 

WAB'RANTr, (L.) an under- 
taking that the article sold an- 
swers to the description given of 
it by the seller to the buyer. 

Watch Tower, a tower in 
which a sentinel is placed to 
watch the approach of an enemy, 
or to which a signal is attached to 
warn of danger. * 

Wa'ter co'lours, in paint- 
ing, colours which are diluted 
with gum water, in contradis- 
tinction to oil colours. 

Wa'ter- logged, the state of 
a ship when unmanageable from 
having a large quantity of water 
in her hold. 

Water-spout, a violent burst 
of water from a cloud* f 

Weld, to beat one mass of 
metal, intensely heated, in contact 
with another, so that they become 
firmly united. 

White Lead, a compound of 
lead, and carbonic acid, 

Whitsuntide, the fiftieth day 
after Easter, and also called the 
feast of Pentecost. 

Wrang'ler, a term in the 
University of Cambridge applied 
to the student who best 



the examination in mathematical 
contests. 

Wri'ter to the Sig'net, a 
distinction used in Scotland, equi- 
valent to attorney or solicitor in 
England. 

Wa'fers, pieces of dried ad- 
hesive paste, made from flour 
gum water , white of egg, and 
isinglass, mixed with colouring 
matter. 

Water* a transparent fluid ; 
it assumes a solid form, as ice, at 
32 degrees of the thermometer, 
and then greatly increases in bulk ; 
it becomes gaseous, as steam, at a 
heat of 212, but returns to its 
liquid state at any degree of heat 
between these two points. 



Yarn, flax, wool, or other 
fibrous substances spun into a 
loose thread. 

Year, the period of time occu- 
pied by the earth in its revolution 
round the sun, 365 days, 5 hours, 
48 minutes, 48 seconds. The 
lunar year has 354 days. 

Yeast, the scum thrown up in 
the fermentation of malt liquors. 

Yel'lows, a disease to which 
cattle are subject, proceeding 
from obstruction in the gall ducts. 

.Ye'oman, (L ) a man of small 
estate in land who holds it inde- 



f Water Spout. — This phenomenon is said to be of the same class as 
the whirlwind, which raises pillars of sand in the deserts of Africa. The 
manner in which it has been observed is thus described : Below a thick 
cloud the sea appears greatly disturbed within a circular area of about 
120 yards, the waves tending rapidly towards the centre of the agitated 
mass ; from hence there rises, with a spiral movement towards the cloud, 
a column of a conical form resembling a trumpet. Vertically above this 
ascending column, there is formed in the cloud a corresponding cone, in 
an inverted position, which gradually approaches the ascending column, 
until they become united. Previously to the rupture of the column, parts 
seem to be drawn upwards, leaving only a slender tube in connection with 
the water below. The whole of the vapour is at length absorbed in the 
air, or it descends into the sea in a heavy shower of rain. The duration 



236 WORDS USED IN LITERATURE, SCIENCE, AND ART. 



pendently of any species of vas- 



z. 

Zaf'fre, (Ch.) the residuum 
of cobalt, after calcination, em- 
ployed for painting pottery ware 
of a blue colour. 

Zemindar', a landholder or 
chief, who governs a district in 
India, and collects its revenues. 

ZENDA-VES ; TA,the sacred books 
of the Parsees, ascribed to Zoroa- 
aster. 

Ze'nith, (As.) the point of the 
heavens perpendicularly above 
the spectator : Nadir is the oppo- 
site invisible point below him. 

Ze'olites, a term applied to a 
class of earthy minerals, on ac- 
count of their boiling and swelling 
when heated by the blowpipe. 

Ze'ro, the point of a thermo- 
meter from which the numbers 
are begun. Fahrenheit's zero is 
thirty-two degrees below the 
freezing point of water. 

Zinc, in commerce, called 
spelter ; it is a hard metal of a 
blueish white colour. 

Zincog'r aph y, the art of draw- 
ing upon and printing from zinc 



Zinco'nia, the heaviest species 



of mineral earth; it is found in the 
rivers of Ceylon, and in different 
species of gems. 

Zo'diac, an imaginary belt ex- 
tending about 8 or 10 degrees on 
each side the ecliptic, within 
which the greater portion of the 
planets make their revolutions. 
This zone is divided into twelve 
parts of 30 degrees each, which 
are apportioned to the twelve 
Signs of the Zodiac, and are 
named respectively from the con- 
stellations which occupy them. 

Zoll- verei n, a term applied to 
an agreement entered into by va- 
rious German states, to exact a 
uniform rate of duty upon im- 
ported goods. 

Zo'olite, an animal substance 
petrified. 

Zo'ology, the science which 
treats of the structure, character, 
and varieties of animals or living 
creatures. 

Zoo'phytes, a class of animals, 
of which intestinal worms, spon- 
ges, and corallines are speci- 
mens ; and some which resemble 
plants, having stems more or less 
calcareous, and in which many of 
the animals are congregated to- 
gether. 



of this phenomenon is various : some spouts disappear almost as soon as- 
formed, and others have been known to continue nearly an hour. No ship 
could escape if it were carried within the vortex ; and mariners, to acce- 
lerate the fall of the column, discharge their artillery towards it. From 
the occurrence of these phenomena at seasons when the electrical principle 
in the air is most active ; from the sulphurous smell, the flashes of 
lightning, the storm of rain, or hail, by which they have been accom- 
panied ; and from the destruction they have produced, their formation has 
been ascribed to electricity. The cloud and the sea or ground may be 
in opposite electrical states, and therefore there will be a mutual attrac- 
tion between them, and this will be attended, of course, by all the con- 
sequences of a vast discharge of the electric fluid. 



Finis. 



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3 — Songs, Duets, Trios, Glees, &c. 

In order to render the Work in every part complete, the Editors have 
added an Organ or Piano-forte Accompaniment to the Psalm Tunes, the 
larger proportion of the Sacred Music, and wherever they think it needful 
in the third department. One Number, price Is., and containing thirty- 
two pages of super-royal 8vo., published monthly. 

%* A considerable allowance will be made to Congregations adopting the 
Psalm Tunes, and taking a number of copies, and Choirs, Choral and Madrigal 
Societies, &c, with the sacred and secular music. 



MAR 9-194© 



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